Friday, December 30, 2011

Madama Butterfly

Capping off my Friday visit to New York, after Follies and a very satisfying dinner at Joe Allen, I headed uptown a few block to see the Metropolitan Opera production of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly. This is probably the most beautiful production I’ve had the opportunity to see at the Met, with high production values throughout from curtain rise to curtain call. And of course the music is beautiful and every single voice could have sung all night. Even sitting up in the Family Circle, I enjoyed the production a great deal, so much that I’ve ordered the Live in HD DVD. It was the perfect end to a great day in New York!

Posted by Randy on 12/30 at 04:31 PM
Opera • (0) Comments • Permalink

Follies

I had the opportunity to revisit the latest Sondheim revival, Follies, on a very please New York day. I had seen the show for the first time earlier in the fall, but had since acquired the cast recording and wanted to revisit it for the final time before it closes in January 2012. The score is chock full of memorable show tunes and a thoughtful book.

I must say I do enjoy revisiting a good show. There are so many angles to approach the show - music, book, production values, etc. Favorites for me: Performances by Elaine Paige (I’m Still Here), Terri White (Who’s That Woman) and Jayne Houdyshell (Broadway Baby). I also love the Jonathan Tunick orchestrations.

Posted by Randy on 12/30 at 04:13 PM
Musical Theatre • (0) Comments • Permalink

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Berlin Philharmonic Digital Concert Hall

It’s a testament to the improvements in technology that more arts organizations are expanding their offerings beyond live performances in concert halls and opera houses. The Metropolitan Opera’s Live in HD is one example. Another example is the Berlin Philharmonic’s Digital Concert Hall. I discovered this through my Samsung Smart TV and the Digital Concert Hall app.

I signed up for a two day trial and am enjoying a Simon Rattle program of Janacek and Mahler. The quality is quite excellent - audio and video. I’ll have to do some more listening before I decide whether this is money well-spent. I think it is just a matter of time before more arts organizations, looking to expand their base, start to offer more alternatives like the Digital Concert Hall. I’m glad the technology is good enough to offer such opportunities.

Posted by Randy on 12/25 at 07:16 PM
Orchestra Music • (0) Comments • Permalink
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