Tag Archives: Mozart

Coming of Age Stories

Posted on April 5, 2013 by

With the passage of time, people get older.  The battles that consumed them in their youth are set aside, as they seek stability and begin to contemplate their legacy.  In that gradual coming into focus, frivolity falls by the wayside … Continue reading →

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Late Mozart 2: caveats

Posted on April 4, 2013 by

Mozart censored? Operas did sometimes have to clear hurdles in the century of their creation, but actually I was thinking about the censure of a modern audience. And so I continue to ramble about late Mozart, inspired by a happy … Continue reading →

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10 Questions for Ambur Braid

Posted on March 9, 2013 by

Ambur Braid may have a catchy name, but the reason you remember it is because of what she does with her opportunities. The voice gets mentioned almost in passing (a secure dramatic coloratura that allows her to undertake challenging roles … Continue reading →

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Pageants of Power

Posted on February 25, 2013 by

Whenever a new pair of presenters come out onto the stage at the Academy Awards, the pit band begins to play something suitable. Nobody does that when I walk into a room. I was thinking about this after reading some … Continue reading →

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Psychological portraits: Tito’s Rome

Posted on February 7, 2013 by

La Clemenza di Tito is not known the way the major operas of Mozart’s maturity are known and loved.  When I say Don Giovanni or Marriage of Figaro or Magic Flute there are tunes that instantly pop into my head … Continue reading →

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Inclemenza

Posted on February 7, 2013 by

We’re expecting snow here in Toronto, but it’s already somewhat inclement, if we think chilly or unmerciful. I am expanding on the experience of La Clemenza di Tito Sunday in Toronto.  I was enraptured, as were the audience: until the … Continue reading →

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Clemenza: Apollo’s Turn

Posted on February 4, 2013 by

After a week of thinking about Tristan und Isolde –at the COC, in the Opera Exchange, at the piano and rattling around inside my head—I was ready for something different.  Tristan is many things.  It’s humongous, it’s conceptual & symbolic, … Continue reading →

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Ten Questions for Christopher Enns

Posted on January 25, 2013 by

Born in Manitoba, tenor Christopher Enns is in his final season with the Canadian Opera Company Ensemble Studio. He made his COC debut as an American/Glass Maker/Strolling Player in Death in Venice.   Enns was one of the strengths of the … Continue reading →

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The prettiest love duet

Posted on November 30, 2012 by

During the COC Ensemble Studio competition, I discovered that someone else –John Gilks of operaramblings and I share similar views about a particular piece of music. Saturday the Met High Definition broadcast will be Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito, and … Continue reading →

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Mish mash season

Posted on November 8, 2012 by

Maybe you can tell i am hungry.  I am thinking about comfort food as I write this.  Comfort food? Nothing effete or fancy, but food meant to satisfy: Goulash or stew Shepherd’s pie All-day breakfasts What farmers eat to keep … Continue reading →

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