Tag Archives: Bill Shookhoff

Carlos: By Request

Posted on March 11, 2012 by barczablog

A singing teacher I know tells me that he always gives a speech to his students early on.  It’s about the math, the reality of having a career in opera, when there are so many people studying, so few actual … Continue reading →

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Il Trovatore

Posted on July 10, 2011 by barczablog

Verisimilitude may be a tad over-rated.  Tonight I witnessed a concert performance of Verdi’s Il Trovatore by Toronto’s Opera By Request.  It’s habitual to apologize for what’s missing in these virtual renditions, that have music stands instead of sets, and … Continue reading →

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Two tunes

Posted on May 8, 2011 by barczablog

William Shookoff’s Opera By Request presented two short operas last night, I Pagliacci paired with Gianni Schicchi.   It’s an interesting pairing.  Once upon a time you’d encounter two verismo shockers (Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci), each ending with death and a … Continue reading →

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Pelléas et Mélisande by Request

Posted on February 5, 2011 by barczablog

Last night Opera by Request presented Pelléas et Mélisande in concert.  When an opera is given with singers in formal attire accompanied by a pianist, we usually understand that as a compromise.  We lose the sounds of the orchestra, the … Continue reading →

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Tuneful Tales

Posted on January 30, 2011 by barczablog

    Les Contes d’Hoffmann aka Tales of Hoffmann are very tuneful.  I had forgotten how many great melodies Jacques Offenbach had given us in this, his attempt at operatic legitimacy.  Next season the Canada Opera Company will be producing … Continue reading →

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