Tosca PBS Tonight

[lennygoran]

A very well done Tosca from the Met-a beautiful production! Regards, Len

[maestrob]

Yes, we'll be watching! Thanks for the heads-up!

Have you heard Yoncheva's new Verdi disc?

[lennygoran]

Brian no but we have enjoyed her at the Met. Len

[maestrob]

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.

[lennygoran]

Sadly, the Bulgarian soprano Sonya Yoncheva and the Italian tenor Grigolo were uneven vocally, and not up to the vocal demands of their roles.

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

[maestrob]

Sadly, the Bulgarian soprano Sonya Yoncheva and the Italian tenor Grigolo were uneven vocally, and not up to the vocal demands of their roles.

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

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]

As it is, though, I'll continue to call 'em as I see 'em.

Brian definitely--sometimes I find they sound better live at the Met than when you hear them on TV. Regards, Len

[maestrob]

As it is, though, I'll continue to call 'em as I see 'em.

Brian definitely--sometimes I find they sound better live at the Met than when you hear them on TV. Regards, Len

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]

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.

Brian thanks-there are so many factors involved-later on in the Toscas Netrebko was moved in and got rave reviews. Regards, Len

[maestrob]

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.

Brian thanks-there are so many factors involved-later on in the Toscas Netrebko was moved in and got rave reviews. Regards, Len

Wow! I'll bet she did! Netrebko is a star, for sure! A great singer. she's perfect for Tosca right now.

[lennygoran]

Wow! I'll bet she did! Netrebko is a star, for sure! A great singer

Brian one of our favorites! Regards, Len