2019 Summer HD Festival

In this 11th year, over ten nights performances from the Met’s Live in HD series will be shown starting with a screening of FUNNY FACE in a special co-presentation with Film at Lincoln Center.   Screenings run from August 23 through September 2.  There will be 3000 seats in the Plaza in front of the Opera House with an additional standing room area. Cancellations due to thunder/lighting or high wind will not be rescheduled. 

Oct
8
Tue
2019
THE MAKROPULOS CASE
Oct 8 @ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM


THE MAKROPULOS CASE:Janácek
Robertson; Norman, Clark, Hagegård, McIntyre
Original Air Date: 01/20/1996

SID.19410209
This was the cursed production which premiered the opera at the Met a few weeks earlier, and was stopped in minutes due to the death of Richard Versalle. The English version is by Moshinsky (the director), Robertson When the opera is revived two years later, it is in Czech with Malfitano and Mackerras conducting. Norman is sui generis, and so is her performance of this part. This is the premiere season for Makropulos with Norman filling out the Janacek lines (in an English translation partially attributed to her). She sings gloriously, even if it misses some of the angularity inherent in the score. This is one broadcast in a translation that regularly makes it to the airwaves if not MOoD.

THE MAKROPULOS CASE
Oct 8 @ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM


THE MAKROPULOS CASE:Janácek
Robertson; Norman, Clark, Hagegård, McIntyre
Original Air Date: 01/20/1996

SID.19410209
This was the cursed production which premiered the opera at the Met a few weeks earlier, and was stopped in minutes due to the death of Richard Versalle. The English version is by Moshinsky (the director), Robertson When the opera is revived two years later, it is in Czech with Malfitano and Mackerras conducting. Norman is sui generis, and so is her performance of this part. This is the premiere season for Makropulos with Norman filling out the Janacek lines (in an English translation partially attributed to her). She sings gloriously, even if it misses some of the angularity inherent in the score. This is one broadcast in a translation that regularly makes it to the airwaves if not MOoD.

LOHENGRIN
Oct 8 @ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM


LOHENGRIN:Wagner
Levine; Kollo, Lorengar, Dunn, McIntyre, Giaiotti
Original Air Date: 12/04/1976

SID.19410210
This is Kollo’s premiere season at the Met, and this new production had premiered a few weeks before the broadcast. A very fine performance all round with two of my favorite singers, Pilar Lorengar and Bonaldo Giaiotti, bringing some real lyricism to the roles. Also available in MOoD. One of Levine’s very best afternoons.

Oct
10
Thu
2019
THE MAKROPULOS CASE
Oct 10 @ 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM


THE MAKROPULOS CASE:Janácek
Robertson; Norman, Clark, Hagegård, McIntyre
Original Air Date: 01/20/1996

SID.19410422
This was the cursed production which premiered the opera at the Met a few weeks earlier, and was stopped in minutes due to the death of Richard Versalle. The English version is by Moshinsky (the director), Robertson When the opera is revived two years later, it is in Czech with Malfitano and Mackerras conducting. Norman is sui generis, and so is her performance of this part. This is the premiere season for Makropulos with Norman filling out the Janacek lines (in an English translation partially attributed to her). She sings gloriously, even if it misses some of the angularity inherent in the score. This is one broadcast in a translation that regularly makes it to the airwaves if not MOoD.

Oct
11
Fri
2019
LOHENGRIN
Oct 11 @ 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM


LOHENGRIN:Wagner
Levine; Kollo, Lorengar, Dunn, McIntyre, Giaiotti
Original Air Date: 12/04/1976

SID.19410426
This is Kollo’s premiere season at the Met, and this new production had premiered a few weeks before the broadcast. A very fine performance all round with two of my favorite singers, Pilar Lorengar and Bonaldo Giaiotti, bringing some real lyricism to the roles. Also available in MOoD. One of Levine’s very best afternoons.

Oct
12
Sat
2019
THE MAKROPULOS CASE
Oct 12 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM


THE MAKROPULOS CASE:Janácek
Robertson; Norman, Clark, Hagegård, McIntyre
Original Air Date: 01/20/1996

SID.19410636
This was the cursed production which premiered the opera at the Met a few weeks earlier, and was stopped in minutes due to the death of Richard Versalle. The English version is by Moshinsky (the director), Robertson When the opera is revived two years later, it is in Czech with Malfitano and Mackerras conducting. Norman is sui generis, and so is her performance of this part. This is the premiere season for Makropulos with Norman filling out the Janacek lines (in an English translation partially attributed to her). She sings gloriously, even if it misses some of the angularity inherent in the score. This is one broadcast in a translation that regularly makes it to the airwaves if not MOoD.

Oct
13
Sun
2019
LOHENGRIN
Oct 13 @ 12:00 AM – 3:00 AM


LOHENGRIN:Wagner
Levine; Kollo, Lorengar, Dunn, McIntyre, Giaiotti
Original Air Date: 12/04/1976

SID.19410638
This is Kollo’s premiere season at the Met, and this new production had premiered a few weeks before the broadcast. A very fine performance all round with two of my favorite singers, Pilar Lorengar and Bonaldo Giaiotti, bringing some real lyricism to the roles. Also available in MOoD. One of Levine’s very best afternoons.

Nov
25
Mon
2019
LOHENGRIN
Nov 25 @ 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Wagner
Levine; Domingo, Tomowa-Sintow, Marton, McIntyre, Macurdy
Original Air Date: 02/16/1985

SID.19480105
This performance is also available in MOoD. Domingo sings very well, but for me the special excitement of this performance comes from the two ladies. Marton had not yet started her heavy round of Elektra performances, and her singing is commanding without ever being less than very feminine. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best efforts, and here’s the cast for it. The ladies are simply splendid, among the best exponents of their roles in the last 3 decades. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best Wagner efforts.

Nov
27
Wed
2019
LOHENGRIN
Nov 27 @ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wagner
Levine; Domingo, Tomowa-Sintow, Marton, McIntyre, Macurdy
Original Air Date: 02/16/1985

SID.19480317
This performance is also available in MOoD. Domingo sings very well, but for me the special excitement of this performance comes from the two ladies. Marton had not yet started her heavy round of Elektra performances, and her singing is commanding without ever being less than very feminine. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best efforts, and here’s the cast for it. The ladies are simply splendid, among the best exponents of their roles in the last 3 decades. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best Wagner efforts.

LOHENGRIN
Nov 27 @ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Wagner
Levine; Domingo, Tomowa-Sintow, Marton, McIntyre, Macurdy
Original Air Date: 02/16/1985

SID.19480318
This performance is also available in MOoD. Domingo sings very well, but for me the special excitement of this performance comes from the two ladies. Marton had not yet started her heavy round of Elektra performances, and her singing is commanding without ever being less than very feminine. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best efforts, and here’s the cast for it. The ladies are simply splendid, among the best exponents of their roles in the last 3 decades. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best Wagner efforts.

Dec
1
Sun
2019
LOHENGRIN
Dec 1 @ 9:00 PM – 11:55 PM

Wagner
Levine; Domingo, Tomowa-Sintow, Marton, McIntyre, Macurdy
Original Air Date: 02/16/1985

SID.19480749
This performance is also available in MOoD. Domingo sings very well, but for me the special excitement of this performance comes from the two ladies. Marton had not yet started her heavy round of Elektra performances, and her singing is commanding without ever being less than very feminine. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best efforts, and here’s the cast for it. The ladies are simply splendid, among the best exponents of their roles in the last 3 decades. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best Wagner efforts.

Dec
2
Mon
2019
LOHENGRIN
Dec 2 @ 12:00 AM – 3:00 AM

Wagner
Levine; Domingo, Tomowa-Sintow, Marton, McIntyre, Macurdy
Original Air Date: 02/16/1985

SID.19490101
This performance is also available in MOoD. Domingo sings very well, but for me the special excitement of this performance comes from the two ladies. Marton had not yet started her heavy round of Elektra performances, and her singing is commanding without ever being less than very feminine. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best efforts, and here’s the cast for it. The ladies are simply splendid, among the best exponents of their roles in the last 3 decades. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best Wagner efforts.

DIE WALKÜRE
Dec 2 @ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM


DIE WALKÜRE:Wagner
Ehrling; Nilsson, McIntyre, Martin, Vickers, Dunn, Rundgren
Original Air Date: 03/01/1975

SID.19490103
I’m never a very big fan of Ehrling’s Ring, and Rundgren is one of the weaker Wagner basses we’ve heard. Nilsson has other performances where she is better caught. I’m always a big fan of Vickers, and as Siegmund he was pretty mighty right to the end (and this end is still a decade away). Janis Martin was on the rocks as Rossweise 10 years earlier under Steinberg (this performance is important for several reasons, not least George London’s only broadcast Wotan with Nilsson, Vickers, Rysanek in top form); Martin is also Sieglinde 2 years later in a most interesting cast (also not yet on Sirius) with Rita Hunter, James King, Norman Bailey, all under Leinsdorf. I remember this broadcast very well and it should be restored to the airwaves.

DIE WALKÜRE
Dec 2 @ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM


DIE WALKÜRE:Wagner
Ehrling; Nilsson, McIntyre, Martin, Vickers, Dunn, Rundgren
Original Air Date: 03/01/1975

SID.19490104
I’m never a very big fan of Ehrling’s Ring, and Rundgren is one of the weaker Wagner basses we’ve heard. Nilsson has other performances where she is better caught. I’m always a big fan of Vickers, and as Siegmund he was pretty mighty right to the end (and this end is still a decade away). Janis Martin was on the rocks as Rossweise 10 years earlier under Steinberg (this performance is important for several reasons, not least George London’s only broadcast Wotan with Nilsson, Vickers, Rysanek in top form); Martin is also Sieglinde 2 years later in a most interesting cast (also not yet on Sirius) with Rita Hunter, James King, Norman Bailey, all under Leinsdorf. I remember this broadcast very well and it should be restored to the airwaves.

Dec
4
Wed
2019
DIE WALKÜRE
Dec 4 @ 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM


DIE WALKÜRE:Wagner
Ehrling; Nilsson, McIntyre, Martin, Vickers, Dunn, Rundgren
Original Air Date: 03/01/1975

SID.19490319
I’m never a very big fan of Ehrling’s Ring, and Rundgren is one of the weaker Wagner basses we’ve heard. Nilsson has other performances where she is better caught. I’m always a big fan of Vickers, and as Siegmund he was pretty mighty right to the end (and this end is still a decade away). Janis Martin was on the rocks as Rossweise 10 years earlier under Steinberg (this performance is important for several reasons, not least George London’s only broadcast Wotan with Nilsson, Vickers, Rysanek in top form); Martin is also Sieglinde 2 years later in a most interesting cast (also not yet on Sirius) with Rita Hunter, James King, Norman Bailey, all under Leinsdorf. I remember this broadcast very well and it should be restored to the airwaves.

Dec
6
Fri
2019
DIE WALKÜRE
Dec 6 @ 9:00 PM – 11:55 PM


DIE WALKÜRE:Wagner
Ehrling; Nilsson, McIntyre, Martin, Vickers, Dunn, Rundgren
Original Air Date: 03/01/1975

SID.19490535
I’m never a very big fan of Ehrling’s Ring, and Rundgren is one of the weaker Wagner basses we’ve heard. Nilsson has other performances where she is better caught. I’m always a big fan of Vickers, and as Siegmund he was pretty mighty right to the end (and this end is still a decade away). Janis Martin was “on the rocks” as Rossweise 10 years earlier under Steinberg (this performance is important for several reasons, not least George London’s only broadcast Wotan with Nilsson, Vickers, Rysanek in top form); Martin is also Sieglinde 2 years later in a most interesting cast (also not yet on Sirius) with Rita Hunter, James King, Norman Bailey, all under Leinsdorf. I remember this broadcast very well and it should be restored to the airwaves.

Dec
7
Sat
2019
DIE WALKÜRE
Dec 7 @ 12:00 AM – 3:00 AM


DIE WALKÜRE:Wagner
Ehrling; Nilsson, McIntyre, Martin, Vickers, Dunn, Rundgren
Original Air Date: 03/01/1975

SID.19490636
I’m never a very big fan of Ehrling’s Ring, and Rundgren is one of the weaker Wagner basses we’ve heard. Nilsson has other performances where she is better caught. I’m always a big fan of Vickers, and as Siegmund he was pretty mighty right to the end (and this end is still a decade away). Janis Martin was “on the rocks” as Rossweise 10 years earlier under Steinberg (this performance is important for several reasons, not least George London’s only broadcast Wotan with Nilsson, Vickers, Rysanek in top form); Martin is also Sieglinde 2 years later in a most interesting cast (also not yet on Sirius) with Rita Hunter, James King, Norman Bailey, all under Leinsdorf. I remember this broadcast very well and it should be restored to the airwaves.

Dec
23
Mon
2019
LOHENGRIN
Dec 23 @ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wagner
Levine; Domingo, Tomowa-Sintow, Marton, McIntyre, Macurdy
Original Air Date: 02/16/1985

SID.19520103
This performance is also available in MOoD. Domingo sings very well, but for me the special excitement of this performance comes from the two ladies. Marton had not yet started her heavy round of Elektra performances, and her singing is commanding without ever being less than very feminine. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best efforts, and here’s the cast for it. The ladies are simply splendid, among the best exponents of their roles in the last 3 decades. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best Wagner efforts.

LOHENGRIN
Dec 23 @ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Wagner
Levine; Domingo, Tomowa-Sintow, Marton, McIntyre, Macurdy
Original Air Date: 02/16/1985

SID.19520104
This performance is also available in MOoD. Domingo sings very well, but for me the special excitement of this performance comes from the two ladies. Marton had not yet started her heavy round of Elektra performances, and her singing is commanding without ever being less than very feminine. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best efforts, and here’s the cast for it. The ladies are simply splendid, among the best exponents of their roles in the last 3 decades. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best Wagner efforts.

Dec
25
Wed
2019
LOHENGRIN
Dec 25 @ 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Wagner
Levine; Domingo, Tomowa-Sintow, Marton, McIntyre, Macurdy
Original Air Date: 02/16/1985

SID.19520319
This performance is also available in MOoD. Domingo sings very well, but for me the special excitement of this performance comes from the two ladies. Marton had not yet started her heavy round of Elektra performances, and her singing is commanding without ever being less than very feminine. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best efforts, and here’s the cast for it. The ladies are simply splendid, among the best exponents of their roles in the last 3 decades. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best Wagner efforts.

LOHENGRIN
Dec 25 @ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Wagner
Levine; Domingo, Tomowa-Sintow, Marton, McIntyre, Macurdy
Original Air Date: 02/16/1985

SID.19520320
This performance is also available in MOoD. Domingo sings very well, but for me the special excitement of this performance comes from the two ladies. Marton had not yet started her heavy round of Elektra performances, and her singing is commanding without ever being less than very feminine. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best efforts, and here’s the cast for it. The ladies are simply splendid, among the best exponents of their roles in the last 3 decades. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best Wagner efforts.

Dec
28
Sat
2019
LOHENGRIN
Dec 28 @ 12:00 AM – 3:00 AM

Wagner
Levine; Domingo, Tomowa-Sintow, Marton, McIntyre, Macurdy
Original Air Date: 02/16/1985

SID.19520636
This performance is also available in MOoD. Domingo sings very well, but for me the special excitement of this performance comes from the two ladies. Marton had not yet started her heavy round of Elektra performances, and her singing is commanding without ever being less than very feminine. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best efforts, and here’s the cast for it. The ladies are simply splendid, among the best exponents of their roles in the last 3 decades. Lohengrin is one of Levine’s best Wagner efforts.

Feb
11
Tue
2020
WOZZECK
Feb 11 @ 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM

WOZZECK Berg
Levine; Hornik, Behrens, Clark, McIntyre, King
Original Air Date: 01/06/1990

SID.20070209
Behrens had done Marie in 1985 with Christian Boesch also under Levine. King is luxury casting as the Drum Major, but I think Cassilly’s rougher voice in 1985 is more appropriate. Still well worth a listen.

Opera News Tribute

Feb
13
Thu
2020
WOZZECK
Feb 13 @ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

WOZZECK Berg
Levine; Hornik, Behrens, Clark, McIntyre, King
Original Air Date: 01/06/1990

SID.20070425
Behrens had done Marie in 1985 with Christian Boesch also under Levine. King is luxury casting as the Drum Major, but I think Cassilly’s rougher voice in 1985 is more appropriate. Still well worth a listen.

Opera News Tribute

Feb
15
Sat
2020
WOZZECK
Feb 15 @ 9:00 PM – 11:55 PM


WOZZECK Berg
Levine; Hornik, Behrens, Clark, McIntyre, King
Original Air Date: 01/06/1990

SID.20070641
Behrens had done Marie in 1985 with Christian Boesch also under Levine. King is luxury casting as the Drum Major, but I think Cassilly’s rougher voice in 1985 is more appropriate. Still well worth a listen.

Opera News Tribute

Apr
15
Wed
2020
DAS RHEINGOLD
Apr 15 @ 12:00 AM – 3:00 AM


DAS RHEINGOLD:Wagner
Ehrling; McIntyre, Dunn, Peterson, Rintzler, Rundgren, Macurdy
Original Air Date: 02/15/1975

SID.20160317
This performance marks Donald McIntyre’s Met debut (broadcast debuts are not so common) and the farewell of Glade Peterson who had made his debut as Loge five days before. McIntyre would be the main reason for listening, but he has the Chereau Ring from Bayreuth three years later on video. I saw the 1978 Chereau Ring live, and he was definitely one of the brightest elements. 6/6/12 – This is only a three performance outing this week where McIntyre is the only real point of distinction. Not awful, but what’s the point? 6/22/11 – The cream of this 1975 cycle were the Nilsson parts of the Ring. Nothing especially remarkable here.

Apr
17
Fri
2020
DAS RHEINGOLD
Apr 17 @ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM


DAS RHEINGOLD:Wagner
Ehrling; McIntyre, Dunn, Peterson, Rintzler, Rundgren, Macurdy
Original Air Date: 02/15/1975

SID.20160535
This performance marks Donald McIntyre’s Met debut (broadcast debuts are not so common) and the farewell of Glade Peterson who had made his debut as Loge five days before. McIntyre would be the main reason for listening, but he has the Chereau Ring from Bayreuth three years later on video. I saw the 1978 Chereau Ring live, and he was definitely one of the brightest elements. 6/6/12 – This is only a three performance outing this week where McIntyre is the only real point of distinction. Not awful, but what’s the point? 6/22/11 – The cream of this 1975 cycle were the Nilsson parts of the Ring. Nothing especially remarkable here.

Apr
19
Sun
2020
DAS RHEINGOLD
Apr 19 @ 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM


DAS RHEINGOLD:Wagner
Ehrling; McIntyre, Dunn, Peterson, Rintzler, Rundgren, Macurdy
Original Air Date: 02/15/1975

SID.20160753
This performance marks Donald McIntyre’s Met debut (broadcast debuts are not so common) and the farewell of Glade Peterson who had made his debut as Loge five days before. McIntyre would be the main reason for listening, but he has the Chereau Ring from Bayreuth three years later on video. I saw the 1978 Chereau Ring live, and he was definitely one of the brightest elements. 6/6/12 – This is only a three performance outing this week where McIntyre is the only real point of distinction. Not awful, but what’s the point? 6/22/11 – The cream of this 1975 cycle were the Nilsson parts of the Ring. Nothing especially remarkable here.