tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8851616.post1996429214190276820..comments2023-09-12T11:16:57.372-04:00Comments on Likely Impossibilities: Ariadne auf Naxos at the Theater an der Wien: Art isn't easyMicaelahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17424063023952527613noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8851616.post-22288255408241625702010-10-18T17:25:24.391-04:002010-10-18T17:25:24.391-04:00Danke schön, Marcillac.
Brunner sounded like th...Danke schön, Marcillac. <br /><br />Brunner sounded like the right voice to me, it just wasn't coming out quite right. Maybe she was just having an off night.<br /><br />Yes, I saw the Met production last year and am converted to the cult of Stemme. I'll definitely go see her at the Staatsoper, though I kind of wish I could see her sing a different role as well--I got a ticket for her Rusalka in Munich but she has canceled that.<br /><br />I saw the wonderful Chéreau Cosi at the Theater an der Wien a few years ago, and am going to their Finta giardiniera in a month, they are still keeping the Mozart alive. I also saw an 1805-version Fidelio ("Leonore," that is) there in 2005, which was quite a special experience, it being the theater of the premiere.Micaelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17424063023952527613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8851616.post-26907630013697048592010-10-16T15:13:14.100-04:002010-10-16T15:13:14.100-04:00I didn't think Zerbinetta would miss Ariadne. ...I didn't think Zerbinetta would miss <i>Ariadne</i>. Excellent review. The papers (also the <i>Zeitung</i>) were rather enthusiastic but certainly didn't convey the <i>Zwischentone</i> of the production nearly as well. <br /><br />I'm actually listening to the ORF broadcast as I type this and I think you've taken the measure of the principals quite well (haven't heard Botha yet but he is the best known and vocally most reliable quantity). On balance I kinda like Brunner but would add somewhat unsteady and perhaps even a bit threadbarish to your description of Schwanewilms. Not having seen the show and based on you review I can see how she would have a hard time asserting herself but generally I'm not sure about her charisma.<br /><br />Based on you reference I gather you saw the Met last season and for my money THE <i>Ariadne</i> of the season in Vienna (and a big operatic event, period) should be the Stemme run in March, quite irrespective of the remaining cast, conductor, playing or production. Absurdly luxurious voice and generally stupendous presentation at the Met.<br /><br />Also, the The Theatre is indeed excellent. Perfectly sized for Mozart as well. Possibly the best <i>Figaro</i> I've seen (and I've seen lots - though for me never too many) was there and although the conducting (Muti) and cast was at the highest possible level, the scale of the theater and the acoustics were helpful as well.marcillachttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10890948953007381186noreply@blogger.com