Author Archives: barczablog

Apocalypso

Posted on December 21, 2012 by barczablog

What music accompanies the end of the world?  I suppose it depends whether you’re cowering or celebrating, sitting, dancing or running for cover. I ask ironically, of course, because the whole Mayan thing is silly.  It’s a finite calendar, limited … Continue reading →

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No costume necessary

Posted on December 20, 2012 by barczablog

Tonight I witnessed the first of Tafelmusik’s annual presentations of Händel’s Messiah at Koerner Hall, being presented nightly until the 22nd, followed by the annual singalong Messiah on the afternoon of the 23rd at Massey Hall. The four at Koerner … Continue reading →

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Beatrice Rana – Chopin and Scriabin

Posted on December 19, 2012 by barczablog

When you like a composition, chances are you’ll listen to a recording by a new unfamiliar artist whether or not you’ve heard any fanfare or PR.  And so, when I saw that Beatrice Rana’s debut recording with ATMA Classical was … Continue reading →

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Cohorts

Posted on December 17, 2012 by barczablog

At one time in Ontario there used to be something called “Grade 13”, the last year of high-school before one went on to University.  My online reading tells me that, while there were a few other places where one had … Continue reading →

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Nut Cracking

Posted on December 15, 2012 by barczablog

Life goes on.  The assertion is banal and boring in good times but a comfort the morning after a day of madness.  Parents and grand-parents suddenly recognize blessings they’d forgotten.  So what if our kids aren’t perfect (and who wants … Continue reading →

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Press Release: Puppetmongers’ Cinderella in Muddy York

Posted on December 13, 2012 by barczablog

 “Press releases and announcements” are presented verbatim without comment. PUPPETMONGERS proudly presents Cinderella in Muddy York December 28, 2012 -January 5, 2013 at Theatre Passe Muraille’s Mainspace Created and performed by Ann Powell and David Powell Directed by Sue Miner … Continue reading →

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Press Release: COC’s 2013 Tristan und Isolde

Posted on December 13, 2012 by barczablog

“Press releases and announcements” are presented verbatim without comment. For immediate release: December 12, 2012 LEGENDARY DIRECTOR PETER SELLARS AND RENOWNED VIDEO ARTIST BILL VIOLA MAKE COC DEBUTS WITH AWE-INSPIRING PRODUCTION OF WAGNER’S TRISTAN UND ISOLDE CELEBRATED CANADIAN TENOR BEN … Continue reading →

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Good night, 4-D Regie

Posted on December 13, 2012 by barczablog

This is an extension of the conversation earlier this week.  Yes I get that the title is unintelligible, but even if I presented it fully –Good night, Four dimensional Regietheater—it’s pretty cryptic without some explanations. Let me simply start with … Continue reading →

Posted in Essays | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

La Scala Lohengrin 2012

Posted on December 11, 2012 by barczablog

Wagner’s Lohengrin opened the season at La Scala, Milan in a new production directed by Claus Guth.  That it was Wagner rather than Verdi in this season of centennials—both Guiseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner were born in 1813—is the least … Continue reading →

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10 Questions for Allyson McHardy

Posted on December 9, 2012 by barczablog

Mezzo-soprano Allyson McHardy has a voice that invites sensuous adjectives.  Radiant?  Dusky? Sumptuous?  You be the judge. In the past year I wrote about her participation in two very different productions by the same composer, namely Händel: Hercules semi-staged by … Continue reading →

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