
Tosca PBS Tonight
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Re: Tosca PBS Tonight
Yes, we'll be watching! Thanks for the heads-up!
Have you heard Yoncheva's new Verdi disc?
Have you heard Yoncheva's new Verdi disc?
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Re: Tosca PBS Tonight
Brian no but we have enjoyed her at the Met. Len
Re: Tosca PBS Tonight
Wow! Did no one else watch this?
I have good news and bad news. First the good news.
The conducting and preparation by the conductor was absolutely first-rate, and he deserved his ovation. The production and sets are stunning in every detail. The Scarpia, Lucic, deserves a medal for handling his tough role with vocal ease and making his character believeable. The acting from all three principals was outstanding as well.
Sadly, the Bulgarian soprano Sonya Yoncheva and the Italian tenor Grigolo were uneven vocally, and not up to the vocal demands of their roles. Vibrato was often uneven, and Yoncheva's high C in the act III duet was truly ugly and forced. All this was forgiven by the audience, because the drama came across so well, so perhaps I'm being a bit too unforgiving here. Nevertheless, I can't get Callas or Leontyne Price and Placido Domingo out of my ears: these two singers certainly did not live up to that standard. The supporting cast was quite good.
I have good news and bad news. First the good news.
The conducting and preparation by the conductor was absolutely first-rate, and he deserved his ovation. The production and sets are stunning in every detail. The Scarpia, Lucic, deserves a medal for handling his tough role with vocal ease and making his character believeable. The acting from all three principals was outstanding as well.
Sadly, the Bulgarian soprano Sonya Yoncheva and the Italian tenor Grigolo were uneven vocally, and not up to the vocal demands of their roles. Vibrato was often uneven, and Yoncheva's high C in the act III duet was truly ugly and forced. All this was forgiven by the audience, because the drama came across so well, so perhaps I'm being a bit too unforgiving here. Nevertheless, I can't get Callas or Leontyne Price and Placido Domingo out of my ears: these two singers certainly did not live up to that standard. The supporting cast was quite good.
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Re: Tosca PBS Tonight
Brian surprised at your reaction--we thought both of them were very good. We don't expect every tenor at the Met to match what Domingo achieved--same for a L Price. Regards, Len
Re: Tosca PBS Tonight
Yes, Len, I was just as unhappy to post what I wrote, because the production was well-received by the audience. As it is, though, I'll continue to call 'em as I see 'em.lennygoran wrote: ↑Sun Jun 17, 2018 12:08 amBrian surprised at your reaction--we thought both of them were very good. We don't expect every tenor at the Met to match what Domingo achieved--same for a L Price. Regards, Len

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Re: Tosca PBS Tonight
Yes, of course, but my ears know how to compensate for that effect. Remember, I brought my singers into the recording studio for years. In fact, smaller voices sound BETTER on microphone than in the house sometimes.lennygoran wrote: ↑Mon Jun 18, 2018 5:27 amBrian definitely--sometimes I find they sound better live at the Met than when you hear them on TV. Regards, Len
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Re: Tosca PBS Tonight
Brian thanks-there are so many factors involved-later on in the Toscas Netrebko was moved in and got rave reviews. Regards, Len
Re: Tosca PBS Tonight
Wow! I'll bet she did! Netrebko is a star, for sure! A great singer. she's perfect for Tosca right now.lennygoran wrote: ↑Mon Jun 18, 2018 8:25 pmBrian thanks-there are so many factors involved-later on in the Toscas Netrebko was moved in and got rave reviews. Regards, Len
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