“THAÏS : Massenet
Original Air Date: 01/20/2018
Cast: Villaume; Pérez, Finley, Borras
Media: Live Broadcast SID.18030640 Tags: LIVE; 2018
Ailyn Pérez is the alluring courtesan and Gerald Finley is the holy man who tries to resist her powers of seduction in Massenet’s tale of sensuality versus spirituality. Emmanuel Villaume conducts. (metopera.org)”
“DER FLIEGENDE HOLLÄNDER : Wagner
Original Air Date: 02/16/1963
Cast: Böhm; London, Rysanek, Kónya, Tozzi
Media: MOD Audio SID.18030642 Tags: Archive; 2018, Wagner
This is a legendary partnership of Bohm with London and Rysanek. Bohm and Rysanek are together for two later broadcasts in 1965 with David Ward, and 1970 with William Dooley. Neither of those have been on Sirius. This 1963 broadcast was swapped with Ariadne 2 weeks earlier when the Hollander cast could not be assembled. That swap denied the broadcast audience the chance to hear Della Casa’s Ariadne. For my money there is no Senta like Rysanek. Read the Opera-L archives for my appreciation (I saw a tour performance from the stage). Rysanek and London are certainly a remarkable pair, and the applause for their Act 2 duet (in the 3 act version) regularly seemed unending.
———-
10/10/11 This performance was originally scheduled 2 weeks earlier when Konya was sick and Ariadne was switched at the last minute (and effectively knocked Della Casa out of an Ariadne broadcast). The Met Hollander premiere 3 years earlier with Rysanek and London was with Schippers. Bohm takes command of 3 broadcasts all with Rysanek, but David Ward is on the second (I would love to hear this again– a fine singer almost forgotten), and the third in 1970 with Dooley. For me, Senta and Kaiserin are Rysanek’s two most singular creations. There is nothing like the finale and as I’ve noted in other Opera-L postings I once saw this creation from the stage with her first husband standing right behind me. Fortunately this performance is on Met Player, and is far more thrilling than the studio performance with much the same cast under Dorati.”
“FALSTAFF : Verdi
Original Air Date: 12/16/1967
Cast: Amaducci; Flagello, Curtin, Guarrera, Barbieri, Raskin, Alva
Media: MOD Audio SID.18030748 Tags: Archive; 2018, Verdi
Barbieri, Guarrera, and Alva are veterans of many Falstaffs, and Flagello features a lot of voice for a bass Falstaff. Amaducci, by memory, didn’t have much sparkle. High praise for Alva and Barbieri; she is a characterful Quickly, and he a perfect Fenton, but Amaducci is possibly the weakest Falstaff conductor in Met history(certainly on broadcasts).
The 1964 Bernstein has never been on Sirius, and though the Met Database records the 1972 as having been on Sirius with Gobbi, Tebaldi, and Paskalis under von Dohnanyi, it has not been on more than once, and should be heard again. Both of these performances belong in MOoD not this performance.
Flagello who had one of the great voices in a time when the Met’s bass cabinet was chock full sings the part very well, but for this work, you must have a conductor to work with you, and that he doesn’t have. Alas, Falstaff is about ensemble, not individual efforts.”
“SUSANNAH : Floyd
Original Air Date: 04/03/1999
Cast: Conlon; Fleming, Hadley, Ramey
Media: MOD Audio SID.18030749 Tags: Archive; 2018
This is the Met’s only broadcast of Susannah to date, and finds all three principals on especially fine form. I’ve seen the opera 4 times, and each time it is very successful and attention holding. Even without the visual appeal, the opera makes an impact from the music alone.
This was a highly successful Met repertory debut for the Carlisle Floyd opera and both Fleming and Ramey are extremely well cast. Conlon is very committed to the work, and it is a contemporary work that works almost as well in audio only as in the theatre with its sure-fire theatrics. One of the best efforts of the Met for both American and contemporary opera.
Very fine performances from both Fleming and Ramey under Conlon bring great credit to the Met and the artists. One of the most distinctive broadcasts of the week.
This is one of Fleming’s very best outings, and Ramey and Hadley are well cast as well. One of the better 20th century American operas.”
“NORMA : Bellini
Original Air Date: 04/04/1970
Cast: Bonynge; Sutherland, Horne, Bergonzi, Siepi
Media: MOD Audio SID.18040210 Tags: Archive; 2018
This is Sutherland/Horne’s first of two Met broadcasts of Norma (both in 1970 but different seasons). One will not find stronger support than Bergonzi and Siepi, and the ladies stand up very well to the competition.
This performance is available in MOoD, and if the fall performances
are even half this level we will be very lucky indeed.
6/15/2012 This is the first Sutherland/Horne Norma broadcast, and the only appearances I know for Bergonzi as Pollione. Siepi goes back to Milanov and Callas. This is available also on MOoD (Met Opera on Demand) so you can listen to it anytime you want. The
ladies’ duet singing is remarkable.”
“HÄNSEL UND GRETEL : Humperdinck
Original Air Date: 12/29/2001
Cast: Mackerras; Larmore, Upshaw, Forst, Blythe, Josephson
Media: MOD Audio SID.18040212 Tags: Archive; 2018
This performance is indeed in German and yet is performed by a 100% Anglophone cast. Irony indeed. Mackerras is the most distinctive contributor to a work whose orchestral passages are among its most interesting. Also worth noting is there is a separate listing in MOoD for the English language versions and the German version. But though the language was German it was the same production as premiered in English in 1967-1968 by O’Hearn and Merrill and concluded with these performances in 2001-2. Hansel returned in a new also English language production by Richard Jones in 2007-2008.”
“MESSA DA REQUIEM : Verdi
Original Air Date: 03/28/1964
Cast: Solti; Price, Elias, Bergonzi, Siepi
Media: MOD Audio SID.18040317 Tags: Archive; 2018, Verdi
This broadcast was In Memory of John F. Kennedy
Although the sound is definitely AM (not what one wants for the Manzoni Requiem), this performance documents three of the most notable Verdi singers of the 20th century: Price, Bergonzi, Siepi. Elias is remarkable for her blend with Price (on many commercial recordings as well) and this is Solti’s final Met appearance (his final full Met staged performance is Aida from December 1963 still awaits rebroadcast on Sirius).
The two performances including the day before the broadcast also included Act 3, Scene 1 of Parsifal with Jerome Hines, Jess Thomas, and Marcia Baldwin.
I’m sorry that is not included but grateful that the Verdi is in MOoD.
PARSIFAL: Act III, Scene 1
Parsifal…………….Jess Thomas
Gurnemanz……………Jerome Hines
Kundry………………Marcia Baldwin
Conductor……………Georg Solti
IN MEMORY OF JOHN F. KENNEDY
Verdi: REQUIEM MASS {35}
Soloist……………..Leontyne Price
Soloist……………..Rosalind Elias
Soloist……………..Carlo Bergonzi
Soloist……………..Cesare Siepi
Conductor……………Georg Solti [Last appearance]”
“NORMA : Bellini
Original Air Date: 04/04/1970
Cast: Bonynge; Sutherland, Horne, Bergonzi, Siepi
Media: MOD Audio SID.18040427 Tags: Archive; 2018
This is Sutherland/Horne’s first of two Met broadcasts of Norma (both in 1970 but different seasons). One will not find stronger support than Bergonzi and Siepi, and the ladies stand up very well to the competition.
This performance is available in MOoD, and if the fall performances
are even half this level we will be very lucky indeed.
6/15/2012 This is the first Sutherland/Horne Norma broadcast, and the only appearances I know for Bergonzi as Pollione. Siepi goes back to Milanov and Callas. This is available also on MOoD (Met Opera on Demand) so you can listen to it anytime you want. The
ladies’ duet singing is remarkable.”
“HÄNSEL UND GRETEL : Humperdinck
Original Air Date: 12/29/2001
Cast: Mackerras; Larmore, Upshaw, Forst, Blythe, Josephson
Media: MOD Audio SID.18040529 Tags: Archive; 2018
This performance is indeed in German and yet is performed by a 100% Anglophone cast. Irony indeed. Mackerras is the most distinctive contributor to a work whose orchestral passages are among its most interesting. Also worth noting is there is a separate listing in MOoD for the English language versions and the German version. But though the language was German it was the same production as premiered in English in 1967-1968 by O’Hearn and Merrill and concluded with these performances in 2001-2. Hansel returned in a new also English language production by Richard Jones in 2007-2008.”
MESSA DA REQUIEM : Verdi
Original Air Date: 03/28/1964
Cast: Solti; Price, Elias, Bergonzi, Siepi
Media: MOD Audio SID.18040534 Tags: Archive; 2018, Verdi
This broadcast was In Memory of John F. Kennedy
Although the sound is definitely AM (not what one wants for the Manzoni Requiem), this performance documents three of the most notable Verdi singers of the 20th century: Price, Bergonzi, Siepi. Elias is remarkable for her blend with Price (on many commercial recordings as well) and this is Solti’s final Met appearance (his final full Met staged performance is Aida from December 1963 still awaits rebroadcast on Sirius).
The two performances including the day before the broadcast also included Act 3, Scene 1 of Parsifal with Jerome Hines, Jess Thomas, and Marcia Baldwin.
I’m sorry that is not included but grateful that the Verdi is in MOoD.
PARSIFAL: Act III, Scene 1
Parsifal…………….Jess Thomas
Gurnemanz……………Jerome Hines
Kundry………………Marcia Baldwin
Conductor……………Georg Solti
IN MEMORY OF JOHN F. KENNEDY
Verdi: REQUIEM MASS {35}
Soloist……………..Leontyne Price
Soloist……………..Rosalind Elias
Soloist……………..Carlo Bergonzi
Soloist……………..Cesare Siepi
Conductor……………Georg Solti [Last appearance]”
“TOSCA : Puccini
Original Air Date: 01/27/2018
Cast: Villaume; Yoncheva, Grigolo, Lucic
Media: Live Broadcast SID.18040640 Tags: LIVE; 2018, Puccini
Sir David McVicar’s “smashing new production” is “a grand triumph” (Huffington Post), featuring an exciting cast led by soprano Sonya Yoncheva in the title role of the fiery diva and Vittorio Grigolo as her passionate lover, Cavaradossi. The pair are “youthful, ardent, and innocent … their duets electric, their kisses hot and numerous” (Wall Street Journal). Yoncheva’s sound is “richly textured and shimmering,” and “Grigolo’s Mario is a true hothead … complete with thrilling top notes” (New York Times). Željko Lučić is “an imposing figure with a voice to match” (Wall Street Journal) as the villainous police chief, Scarpia, and Emmanuel Villaume conducts.
Production a gift of Jacqueline Desmarais, in memory of Paul G. Desmarais Sr; The Paiko Foundation; and Dr. Elena Prokupets, in memory of her late husband, Rudy Prokupets
Major funding from Rolex
-metopera.org”
“HÄNSEL UND GRETEL : Humperdinck
Original Air Date: 12/29/2001
Cast: Mackerras; Larmore, Upshaw, Forst, Blythe, Josephson
Media: MOD Audio SID.18040745 Tags: Archive; 2018
This performance is indeed in German and yet is performed by a 100% Anglophone cast. Irony indeed. Mackerras is the most distinctive contributor to a work whose orchestral passages are among its most interesting. Also worth noting is there is a separate listing in MOoD for the English language versions and the German version. But though the language was German it was the same production as premiered in English in 1967-1968 by O’Hearn and Merrill and concluded with these performances in 2001-2. Hansel returned in a new also English language production by Richard Jones in 2007-2008.”
“DON CARLO : Verdi
Original Air Date: 04/04/1959
Cast: Cleva; Gari, Rysanek, Merrill, Thebom, Hines, Uhde
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050103 Tags: Archive; 2018, Verdi
What is most distinctive about this broadcast is Cleva’s conducting. This 5 performance revival are the only times he took the reins, with the opera much dominated by Stiedry in the 1950s, and Levine from the 1970s forward. This is Rysanek’s first season in the part at the Met, and Merrill is among the best of Met Rodrigos.What is most distinctive about this broadcast is Cleva’s conducting. This five performance revival is the only times he took the reins, with the opera much dominated by Stiedry in the 1950s, and Levine from the 1970s forward.
This is Rysanek’s first season in the part at the Met, and Merrill is among the best of Met Rodrigos.
4/2/12 – Rysanek is in better voice here than her Abigaille referred to above. This performance is available on MOoD and marks Cleva’s only run in Don Carlo. The baton is dominated by Stiedry with 26 performances when it opens the Bing regime, and Levine with 60 performances (!!!!!) from 1979 to 2006 (8 broadcasts and 2 telecasts)
Merrill is the only singer of extraordinary interest; his voice was just about perfect for ANY composer in the 50s, and while extremely phonogenic, the sound in the opera house even more impressive. You didn’t always want to watch his acting. His Rigoletto on Sirius this week has been outstanding.”
“SAMSON ET DALILA : Saint-Saëns
Original Air Date: 12/26/1936
Cast: Abravanel; Maison, Wettergren, Pinza
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050208 Tags: Archive; 2018
This is the second oldest Met performance to have been rebroadcast on Sirius — the Lawrence/Melchior Gotterdammerung also from 1936 (but previous season) is the oldest. Abravanel is more remembered as longtime conductor of the Utah Symphony, but his three Met seasons beginning with this broadcast showed him as a sure hand in the French and German wings of the repertory. The principals have plenty of profile, and Pinza is an excellent High Priest. “
“MANON : Massenet
Original Air Date: 03/03/2001
Cast: Rudel; Swenson, Sabbatini, de Candia
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050209 Tags: Archive; 2018
I’m not sure if anyone has conducted Manon more than Julius Rudel, the opera having been a mainstay during his NYCO stewardship. This is an OK performance, but wish we could hear the 1959 DeLosAngeles Gedda Manon under Jean Morel as well.I’m not sure if anyone has conducted Manon more than Julius Rudel, the opera having been a mainstay during his NYCO stewardship. This is an OK performance, but wish we could hear the 1959 De Los Angeles/Gedda Manon under Jean Morel as well. This opera is available on MOoD to listen to anytime.
1/29/11 – This is uncommon casting, but maybe one way to start preparing for the new production of Manon. I would be happier if someone would dig deeper into the archives for the single De Los Angeles/Gedda broadcast under Jean Morel from 1959.”
“DIE WALKURE : Wagner
Original Air Date: 03/01/1969
Cast: von Karajan; Nilsson, Adam, Crespin, Vickers, Veasey, Talvela
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050210 Tags: Archive; 2018, Nilsson, Wagner
To my knowledge this is the only broadcast opera performance (not counting galas) in which both Nilsson and Crespin appear together. This is Crespin’s only broadcast Sieglinde from the Met. It is also Karajan’s final Met performance (he had done the Rheingold broadcast a week earlier (also on MOoD); it is also Josephine Veasey’s Met farewell.
I’m rather sorry that Stewart did not get this broadcast, but he had the first year’s with Nilsson, Rysanek, Vickers,and Ludwig. Adam is experienced (he is in Bohm’s Bayreuth Ring of the same period, but his tone is not so agreeable to me.) This 1969 broadcast is Talvela’s only broadcast Hunding.
The quality of the performance is one of the best postwar Walkures.
2/10/12 -This is one of von Karajan’s two Met broadcasts (the other is Rheingold), and Crespin’s only Sieglinde broadcast. The performance is also on MetPlayer. I’m not a big fan of Adam, but this is still powerhouse casting. Karajan’s conducting is in many ways closer to his early Bayreuth conducting than his 60s studio efforts.”
“DIE WALKURE : Wagner
Original Air Date: 03/01/1969
Cast: von Karajan; Nilsson, Adam, Crespin, Vickers, Veasey, Talvela
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050211 Tags: Archive; 2018, Nilsson, Wagner
To my knowledge this is the only broadcast opera performance (not counting galas) in which both Nilsson and Crespin appear together. This is Crespin’s only broadcast Sieglinde from the Met. It is also Karajan’s final Met performance (he had done the Rheingold broadcast a week earlier (also on MOoD); it is also Josephine Veasey’s Met farewell.
I’m rather sorry that Stewart did not get this broadcast, but he had the first year’s with Nilsson, Rysanek, Vickers,and Ludwig. Adam is experienced (he is in Bohm’s Bayreuth Ring of the same period, but his tone is not so agreeable to me.) This 1969 broadcast is Talvela’s only broadcast Hunding.
The quality of the performance is one of the best postwar Walkures.
2/10/12 -This is one of von Karajan’s two Met broadcasts (the other is Rheingold), and Crespin’s only Sieglinde broadcast. The performance is also on MetPlayer. I’m not a big fan of Adam, but this is still powerhouse casting. Karajan’s conducting is in many ways closer to his early Bayreuth conducting than his 60s studio efforts.”
“LA SONNAMBULA : Bellini
Original Air Date: 12/21/1968
Cast: Bonynge; Sutherland, Alexander, Giaiotti, Boky
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050212 Tags: Archive; 2018
This is Sutherland’s second Sonnambula broadcast and well equal to the 1963 supporting cast for Sutherland of Gedda and Flagello; Both of Sutherland’s Amina broadcasts are on MOoD.
Alexander and Giaiotti are evenly matched substitutes for Gedda and Flagello. Both performances are in MOoD, and well they should be.”
“ELEKTRA : Strauss
Original Air Date: 03/25/1961
Cast: Rosenstock; Borkh, Rysanek, Madeira, Uhde, Vinay
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050315 Tags: Archive; 2018, Strauss
Rosenstock appears for the originally scheduled Mitropoulos who had died the previous November. Still, this is a powerful cast in a masterpiece. The whole cast is top drawer, and highly recommended. This is the only Elektra Borkh and Rysanek ever did together, and they are among the very best in these roles. Nice to welcome this performance to MOoD in their 2014 reissues. For me a highlight of the week.
Rosenstock comes to the Met first in 1929, and left after one season (poor reviews compared to Bodanzky and Bodanzky returned the following season). Rosenstock returned to Germany, then to Japan for the WHOLE WWII at NHK. He gets back to New York, and starts anew at New York City Opera and succeeds Halasz as director in 1952. After 4 seasons as director, he is replaced by Julius Rudel, and then returns to the Met in 1961 replacing the recently deceased Mitropoulos.
He goes on to conduct over 250 Met performances in the next 8 years. including Tosca and Lucia on the Met tour among just about everything. He is a solid conductor, and Borkh in 1961 one of the very great Elektras. “
“DON PASQUALE : Donizetti
Original Air Date: 04/15/2006
Cast: Benini; Alaimo, Netrebko, Flórez, Kwiecien
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050316 Tags: Archive; 2018, Netrebko
I love this performance even though Netrebko is several voice sizes bigger than Florez. They are both star performers, and give high profile performances.
This is the year of the new production, and the unifying presence of Alaimo is no small contribution. I enjoy Netrebko’s HD (also on DVD and MOoD) at the next revival under Schenk, but I’m grateful this performance is in the MOoD.”
“DON CARLO : Verdi
Original Air Date: 04/04/1959
Cast: Cleva; Gari, Rysanek, Merrill, Thebom, Hines, Uhde
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050319 Tags: Archive; 2018, Verdi
What is most distinctive about this broadcast is Cleva’s conducting. This 5 performance revival are the only times he took the reins, with the opera much dominated by Stiedry in the 1950s, and Levine from the 1970s forward. This is Rysanek’s first season in the part at the Met, and Merrill is among the best of Met Rodrigos.What is most distinctive about this broadcast is Cleva’s conducting. This five performance revival is the only times he took the reins, with the opera much dominated by Stiedry in the 1950s, and Levine from the 1970s forward.
This is Rysanek’s first season in the part at the Met, and Merrill is among the best of Met Rodrigos.
4/2/12 – Rysanek is in better voice here than her Abigaille referred to above. This performance is available on MOoD and marks Cleva’s only run in Don Carlo. The baton is dominated by Stiedry with 26 performances when it opens the Bing regime, and Levine with 60 performances (!!!!!) from 1979 to 2006 (8 broadcasts and 2 telecasts)
Merrill is the only singer of extraordinary interest; his voice was just about perfect for ANY composer in the 50s, and while extremely phonogenic, the sound in the opera house even more impressive. You didn’t always want to watch his acting. His Rigoletto on Sirius this week has been outstanding.”
“MANON : Massenet
Original Air Date: 03/03/2001
Cast: Rudel; Swenson, Sabbatini, de Candia
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050422 Tags: Archive; 2018
I’m not sure if anyone has conducted Manon more than Julius Rudel, the opera having been a mainstay during his NYCO stewardship. This is an OK performance, but wish we could hear the 1959 DeLosAngeles Gedda Manon under Jean Morel as well.I’m not sure if anyone has conducted Manon more than Julius Rudel, the opera having been a mainstay during his NYCO stewardship. This is an OK performance, but wish we could hear the 1959 De Los Angeles/Gedda Manon under Jean Morel as well. This opera is available on MOoD to listen to anytime.
1/29/11 – This is uncommon casting, but maybe one way to start preparing for the new production of Manon. I would be happier if someone would dig deeper into the archives for the single De Los Angeles/Gedda broadcast under Jean Morel from 1959.”
“SAMSON ET DALILA : Saint-Saëns
Original Air Date: 12/26/1936
Cast: Abravanel; Maison, Wettergren, Pinza
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050423 Tags: Archive; 2018
This is the second oldest Met performance to have been rebroadcast on Sirius — the Lawrence/Melchior Gotterdammerung also from 1936 (but previous season) is the oldest. Abravanel is more remembered as longtime conductor of the Utah Symphony, but his three Met seasons beginning with this broadcast showed him as a sure hand in the French and German wings of the repertory. The principals have plenty of profile, and Pinza is an excellent High Priest. “
“DIE WALKURE : Wagner
Original Air Date: 03/01/1969
Cast: von Karajan; Nilsson, Adam, Crespin, Vickers, Veasey, Talvela
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050426 Tags: Archive; 2018, Nilsson, Wagner
To my knowledge this is the only broadcast opera performance (not counting galas) in which both Nilsson and Crespin appear together. This is Crespin’s only broadcast Sieglinde from the Met. It is also Karajan’s final Met performance (he had done the Rheingold broadcast a week earlier (also on MOoD); it is also Josephine Veasey’s Met farewell.
I’m rather sorry that Stewart did not get this broadcast, but he had the first year’s with Nilsson, Rysanek, Vickers,and Ludwig. Adam is experienced (he is in Bohm’s Bayreuth Ring of the same period, but his tone is not so agreeable to me.) This 1969 broadcast is Talvela’s only broadcast Hunding.
The quality of the performance is one of the best postwar Walkures.
2/10/12 -This is one of von Karajan’s two Met broadcasts (the other is Rheingold), and Crespin’s only Sieglinde broadcast. The performance is also on MetPlayer. I’m not a big fan of Adam, but this is still powerhouse casting. Karajan’s conducting is in many ways closer to his early Bayreuth conducting than his 60s studio efforts.”
“DIE WALKURE : Wagner
Original Air Date: 03/01/1969
Cast: von Karajan; Nilsson, Adam, Crespin, Vickers, Veasey, Talvela
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050427 Tags: Archive; 2018, Nilsson, Wagner
To my knowledge this is the only broadcast opera performance (not counting galas) in which both Nilsson and Crespin appear together. This is Crespin’s only broadcast Sieglinde from the Met. It is also Karajan’s final Met performance (he had done the Rheingold broadcast a week earlier (also on MOoD); it is also Josephine Veasey’s Met farewell.
I’m rather sorry that Stewart did not get this broadcast, but he had the first year’s with Nilsson, Rysanek, Vickers,and Ludwig. Adam is experienced (he is in Bohm’s Bayreuth Ring of the same period, but his tone is not so agreeable to me.) This 1969 broadcast is Talvela’s only broadcast Hunding.
The quality of the performance is one of the best postwar Walkures.
2/10/12 -This is one of von Karajan’s two Met broadcasts (the other is Rheingold), and Crespin’s only Sieglinde broadcast. The performance is also on MetPlayer. I’m not a big fan of Adam, but this is still powerhouse casting. Karajan’s conducting is in many ways closer to his early Bayreuth conducting than his 60s studio efforts.”
“LA SONNAMBULA : Bellini
Original Air Date: 12/21/1968
Cast: Bonynge; Sutherland, Alexander, Giaiotti, Boky
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050428 Tags: Archive; 2018
This is Sutherland’s second Sonnambula broadcast and well equal to the 1963 supporting cast for Sutherland of Gedda and Flagello; Both of Sutherland’s Amina broadcasts are on MOoD.
Alexander and Giaiotti are evenly matched substitutes for Gedda and Flagello. Both performances are in MOoD, and well they should be.”
“ELEKTRA : Strauss
Original Air Date: 03/25/1961
Cast: Rosenstock; Borkh, Rysanek, Madeira, Uhde, Vinay
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050531 Tags: Archive; 2018, Strauss
Rosenstock appears for the originally scheduled Mitropoulos who had died the previous November. Still, this is a powerful cast in a masterpiece. The whole cast is top drawer, and highly recommended. This is the only Elektra Borkh and Rysanek ever did together, and they are among the very best in these roles. Nice to welcome this performance to MOoD in their 2014 reissues. For me a highlight of the week.
Rosenstock comes to the Met first in 1929, and left after one season (poor reviews compared to Bodanzky and Bodanzky returned the following season). Rosenstock returned to Germany, then to Japan for the WHOLE WWII at NHK. He gets back to New York, and starts anew at New York City Opera and succeeds Halasz as director in 1952. After 4 seasons as director, he is replaced by Julius Rudel, and then returns to the Met in 1961 replacing the recently deceased Mitropoulos.
He goes on to conduct over 250 Met performances in the next 8 years. including Tosca and Lucia on the Met tour among just about everything. He is a solid conductor, and Borkh in 1961 one of the very great Elektras. “
“DON PASQUALE : Donizetti
Original Air Date: 04/15/2006
Cast: Benini; Alaimo, Netrebko, Flórez, Kwiecien
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050532 Tags: Archive; 2018, Netrebko
I love this performance even though Netrebko is several voice sizes bigger than Florez. They are both star performers, and give high profile performances.
This is the year of the new production, and the unifying presence of Alaimo is no small contribution. I enjoy Netrebko’s HD (also on DVD and MOoD) at the next revival under Schenk, but I’m grateful this performance is in the MOoD.”
“DON CARLO : Verdi
Original Air Date: 04/04/1959
Cast: Cleva; Gari, Rysanek, Merrill, Thebom, Hines, Uhde
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050535 Tags: Archive; 2018, Verdi
What is most distinctive about this broadcast is Cleva’s conducting. This 5 performance revival are the only times he took the reins, with the opera much dominated by Stiedry in the 1950s, and Levine from the 1970s forward. This is Rysanek’s first season in the part at the Met, and Merrill is among the best of Met Rodrigos.What is most distinctive about this broadcast is Cleva’s conducting. This five performance revival is the only times he took the reins, with the opera much dominated by Stiedry in the 1950s, and Levine from the 1970s forward.
This is Rysanek’s first season in the part at the Met, and Merrill is among the best of Met Rodrigos.
4/2/12 – Rysanek is in better voice here than her Abigaille referred to above. This performance is available on MOoD and marks Cleva’s only run in Don Carlo. The baton is dominated by Stiedry with 26 performances when it opens the Bing regime, and Levine with 60 performances (!!!!!) from 1979 to 2006 (8 broadcasts and 2 telecasts)
Merrill is the only singer of extraordinary interest; his voice was just about perfect for ANY composer in the 50s, and while extremely phonogenic, the sound in the opera house even more impressive. You didn’t always want to watch his acting. His Rigoletto on Sirius this week has been outstanding.”
“LA SONNAMBULA : Bellini
Original Air Date: 12/21/1968
Cast: Bonynge; Sutherland, Alexander, Giaiotti, Boky
Media: MOD Audio SID.18050638 Tags: Archive; 2018
This is Sutherland’s second Sonnambula broadcast and well equal to the 1963 supporting cast for Sutherland of Gedda and Flagello; Both of Sutherland’s Amina broadcasts are on MOoD.
Alexander and Giaiotti are evenly matched substitutes for Gedda and Flagello. Both performances are in MOoD, and well they should be.”