But, to modern directors and company it presents a host of challenges: the extreme vocal virtuosity of the principal roles, its juxtaposition of genres and stylistic eclecticism, and, not least, its ...

Bruch (1838-1920) may be best known for his Violin Concerto no 1, but this first ever recording of his full opera should broaden interest in his output as a whole. Bruch’s Die Loreley is a very early ...

Indeed, the ‘Fireside Pantomime’ indulges in fiancé-swapping and satirical scepticism about love and faithfulness which would not be out of place in Così fan tutte. So, we should not be surprised that ...

35 years, this production of one of Offenbach’s best-known works transcends the screen as a quite engaging video that works well in this well-conceived translation.

Music composed by Gaspare Spontini. Libretto by Etienne de Jouy.

As I wrote in my review of the production, ‘her terrible bereavement, at first quietly accepted, resurges with terrifying force when … she recognises the tiny red cap that she knitted for him. Never ...

counterpoint to our own comforts and civilities.

When, in the Prologue, the Dancing Master jokes that the commedia dell’arte troupe’s vaudeville would be better performed after the new opera that His Lordship has commissioned – because ...

Jules Massenet (1842-1912), composer. Henri Meilhac and Phillipe Gille, librettists. First performance: 19 January 1884 at the OpÈra-Comique, Paris. When it comes to opera, the French have tended to ...

Staged in conjunction with Joffrey Ballet Chicago, the production features both dance and singing. Since Oropesa sings with silver tones and moves as gracefully as a dancer, she is a natural for the ...

Simonetta Cavalli (Arsilda); Lucia Sciannimanico (Lisea); Elena Cecchi Fedi (Mirinda); Nicky Kennedy (Barzane); Joseph Cornwell (Tamese); Sergio foresti (Cisardo); Alessandra Rossi (Nicandro). Modo ...

In Lisbon harbor, an armada is being readied to set sail to carry the army of King SÈbastien to Morocco for a crusade against the infidels. The sailors describe their preparations for departure ...