Tag Archives: Mozart

The Magic Flute Review – Pocket Opera is Magic

Posted on March 18, 2014 by philip

Mozart’s Magic Flute is probably his most complex opera, both musically and in terms of plot. Artistic director Donald Pippin and Stage Director Nicolas Aliaga have chosen to present a delightful entertainment which does full justice to the Continue reading »

Posted in Opera Review | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Cosé¬ Fan Tutte Review – A big company takes on a small opera

Posted on June 19, 2013 by philip

Over the years I have seen Cosé¬ Fan Tutte many times, and this is the third production for which I have written a review (read my previous reviews). I have seen it played as a light-hearted comedy. I have seen it played more darkly with Don Alfonso more of a villain playing with other people’s souls. I have seen Despina fully conniving with Don Alfonso’s schemes, and Continue reading »

Posted in Opera Review | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Pocket Opera’s Don Giovanni Review – A Masterpiece

Posted on March 23, 2013 by philip

At 2:00 PM on Sunday, March 10, 2013 the house lights dim then brighten and Dianna Shuster, Executive Director comes on stage to make her opening announcement. A few of us old-timers start to applaud, not only to tell Dianna that we love her, but to Continue reading »

Posted in Opera Review | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

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 »

Posted in Opera Review | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Yanked from the Harem Review – Pocket Opera’s interpretation of Mozart’s Abduction from the Seraglio

Posted on March 8, 2012 by philip

March certainly came in like a lamb this year.  Continue reading »

Posted in Opera Review | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Don Giovanni Review – An old favorite in modern dress

Posted on February 22, 2012 by philip

Friday night, February 17, 2012, was the third and last production of Don Giovanni that I have seen and reviewed this season.  Continue reading »

Posted in Opera Review | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Don Giovanni MetHD – Second Production this Season

Posted on November 2, 2011 by philip

The advance program said that James Levine would be the conductor.  The program at the theater door listed Fabio Luisi as the conductor.  At intermission, RenÉe Fleming interviewed Maestro Luisi and we found out that he was the Met’s new Principal Conductor.  Obviously there was a story here. Continue reading »

Posted in Opera Review | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Don Giovanni SF Opera – First of Four Productions this Season

Posted on October 22, 2011 by philip

The Opera season 2011-12 could well be called “The Year of the Don”.  In the space of four months I am planning to see four different productions of Mozart’s masterpiece – two live stage performances and two on HD:  Continue reading »

Posted in Opera Review | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Idomeneo – 12th Century BCE Greek Story – 18th Century Mozart Music – 21st Century American Staging

Posted on September 16, 2011 by philip

Although I had never seen or heard Idomeneo before, I knew I’d like it – I mean, it’s Mozart so what else do you need to know? Continue reading »

Posted in Opera Review | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Marriage of Figaro – Servants outsmart masters; women outsmart men; what is the world coming to?

Posted on July 20, 2011 by philip

What a contrast! A couple of weeks ago I spent 17 hours in 6 days seeing Wagner’s 4 glorious Ring operas with all their significance, dramatic music, and deep emotions without even a chuckle of humor. Last week I spent approximately the same number of hours in 8 days attending 3 operas, a play, and two play-readings all of which were light, filled with laughter, and (for the operas) musically hummable. Continue reading »

Posted in Opera Review | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment