Author Archives: philip

Der Rosenkavalier MetHD Review – It gets better every time I see it

Posted on August 8, 2012 by philip

Der Rosenkavalier by Richard Strauss
MetHD Live, January 9, 2010
Met HD Encore, January 27, 2010
MetHD Summer Encore, July 25, 2012
Cinemark, Palo Alto, CA  Continue reading »

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Postcard from Morocco Review – Unity out of Chaos

Posted on August 4, 2012 by philip

Forty-one years ago I attended the World Premiere of Dominick Argento’s Postcard from Morocco.  It was commissioned and performed by the Center Opera, an adjunct of the Walker Art Center, and the company evolved to the now well-known Minnesota Opera.  It was my first experience with a “modern” opera, and I was fascinated by it, without quite knowing why.  Continue reading »

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Pocket Opera’s Tales of Hoffmann Review – Worth Seeing Twice

Posted on July 28, 2012 by philip

The Opera-year 2012-13 promises to be a banner year for one of my favorite operas. Continue reading »

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Norma, Pocket Opera Review – Pocket Production of a Melodious Eternal Triangle

Posted on June 30, 2012 by philip

The synopsis in the program starts by bringing us up to date: Norma, a much revered, awe-inspiring spiritual and political leader  Continue reading »

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Nixon in China SFOpera Review – John Adams’ first opera

Posted on June 30, 2012 by philip

The lights dim. Applause begins near the front of the theatre and rapidly spreads. Conductor Lawrence Renes must be approaching the podium.  Sure enough, a distant head is glimpsed from our side seats in row T as he mounts and bows to the audience. All is quiet as he turns to the orchestra and raises his arms.  Continue reading »

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Magic Flute SFOpera Review – A 21st Century Production that Works

Posted on June 27, 2012 by philip

Let me begin by quoting extensively from the note by Director Harry Silverstein which appeared in the program Continue reading »

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Attila SFOpera Review – Not Verdi’s best, but the music was beautiful

Posted on June 27, 2012 by philip

Any way you look at it, Attila is not your usual opera.  Continue reading »

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Teseo Review – Donald Pippin’s Pocket Opera does it again

Posted on June 7, 2012 by philip

George Frideric Handel was a German composer living in England who wrote Italian operas based on Greek legends for an English audience.  Continue reading »

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Aida Review – West Bay Opera presents a gem of a production

Posted on May 26, 2012 by philip

Last night, Friday May 25, 2012, I saw my third different production of Aida in three years.  In a sense, I can honestly say that each of them is the “best” that I have ever seen:   The MetHD in 2009 was the best HD, San Francisco Opera in 2010 was the best large-theatre, and last night’s West Bay Opera was the best small-theatre.  Continue reading »

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Ruddigore Review II – Stanford Savoyards complete their afternoon of eerie fun

Posted on May 24, 2012 by philip

“What’s in a name?” asks the Bard.  A great deal, according to the appearance and actions of Richard Copperwaite, a welcome import from England.  Continue reading »

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