I thought it might be fun to share information, thoughts, etc., on some of the most memorable opera performances we've seen. (Since I'm a newbie, I checked the archives to make sure I'm not resurrecting a previous thread, and didn't see this topic.)
Back in '79, when I had my first "real job" after finishing college (1979. not 1879!), one of my first purchases was of 1980 season tickets to the local opera company in Cincinnati. The final production of that season was "Il Trovatore" with Sherrill Milnes as Conte di Luna, and his singing of "Il balen" was so gorgeous that it literally took my breath away.
In March, 1981, I traveled to New Orleans to attend their production of "Fidelio" with my then-favorite living tenor, Siegfried Jerusalem, as Florestan. Teresa Kubiak sang Leonore, and to this day, I cherish the memories of that performance. Absolutely incredible! Both of them sang beautifully and were dramatically involved with their characters. (New Orleans had also rented the Cincinnati Opera's sets from the previous season. Johanna Meier was our wonderful Leonore.)
Naturally, Jonas Kaufmann's performances on these shores rank among the best I've seen. Last year's "Tosca" with Patricia Racette and Bryn Terfel has to be right up at the top. Fabulous voices; tremendous acting. There was also the 2003 Chicago "La Traviata" with Patrizia Ciofi in the title role, and she was exquisite. One of the best Violettas I've heard since Ileana Cotrubas.
I've also mentioned the 2004 Met "Salome" with Mattila, Terfel, and Jerusalem. I loved her Jean Harlow-esque take on the Judaean princess. There was even a brief (extremely brief) moment at the end of the Dance of the Seven Veils where Mme. Mattila hadn't a stitch on. (Note to Met management: despite our reputation for Puritanism, I think most Americans know what nude men and women look like, and aren't particularly shocked at the sight of either.)
Back in '79, when I had my first "real job" after finishing college (1979. not 1879!), one of my first purchases was of 1980 season tickets to the local opera company in Cincinnati. The final production of that season was "Il Trovatore" with Sherrill Milnes as Conte di Luna, and his singing of "Il balen" was so gorgeous that it literally took my breath away.
In March, 1981, I traveled to New Orleans to attend their production of "Fidelio" with my then-favorite living tenor, Siegfried Jerusalem, as Florestan. Teresa Kubiak sang Leonore, and to this day, I cherish the memories of that performance. Absolutely incredible! Both of them sang beautifully and were dramatically involved with their characters. (New Orleans had also rented the Cincinnati Opera's sets from the previous season. Johanna Meier was our wonderful Leonore.)
Naturally, Jonas Kaufmann's performances on these shores rank among the best I've seen. Last year's "Tosca" with Patricia Racette and Bryn Terfel has to be right up at the top. Fabulous voices; tremendous acting. There was also the 2003 Chicago "La Traviata" with Patrizia Ciofi in the title role, and she was exquisite. One of the best Violettas I've heard since Ileana Cotrubas.
I've also mentioned the 2004 Met "Salome" with Mattila, Terfel, and Jerusalem. I loved her Jean Harlow-esque take on the Judaean princess. There was even a brief (extremely brief) moment at the end of the Dance of the Seven Veils where Mme. Mattila hadn't a stitch on. (Note to Met management: despite our reputation for Puritanism, I think most Americans know what nude men and women look like, and aren't particularly shocked at the sight of either.)