Tag Archive donizetti

ByGD

Seattle Opera’s Virtual Elixir of Love

Seattle Opera’s The Elixir of Love is quite possibly the first fully staged, filmed opera produced under social distancing protocols. With this production, Seattle Opera proves that it’s possible to keep enjoying opera – even full operas and not just recitals – while live performances are unavailable. The filmed format presents interesting opportunities for reinterpretation. And although it’s coincidental (The Elixir of Love was already planned for this season before the pandemic hit) there are ways in which The Elixir of Love is particularly well suited for this type of adaptation. So even though it’s not the same as being there, and not quite as good as being there, The Elixir of Love on film stands on its own as a fun opera experience.

Read More
ByGD

Maria Stuarda and other Powerful Women

Joyce El-Khoury (Mary Stuart), Michael Todd Simpson (Cecil) and Keri Alkema (Elizabeth I). Jacob Lucas photo c/o Seattle Opera

Joyce El-Khoury (Mary Stuart), Michael Todd Simpson (Cecil) and Keri Alkema (Elizabeth I). Jacob Lucas photo c/o Seattle Opera

I always feel a little sorry for Donizetti. He’s like a low-ranking player in the NBA – easily better at his game than anyone you’ve ever met, but forever overshadowed by his more talented peers. Donizetti worked in the first half of the 19th century and a handful of his operas are still performed today. That’s pretty good. But he’s still not as famous as the other big bel canto composers, Verdi, Rossini, and Puccini, and with good reason. His canto is bel, but to my ear, feels a little … predictable? Formulaic? But Donizetti has one advantage over his peers – an interest in powerful women.

Read More

ByGD

La fille du régiment at Seattle Opera

LaFilleSeattle Opera kicked off its 50th season with Donizetti’s La fille du régiment. It seemed like a strange choice to me, because, well, it is not the best opera. In fact, it almost doesn’t seem like opera. It reminded me more of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance than a comedic bel canto like Così fan tutte. Read More