Classic Ross Amico

Tag: Bel Canto

Edita Gruberová Legendary Soprano RIP

Eerie. I only just mentioned the Slovak soprano Edita Gruberová in my birthday salute to Wynton Marsalis this morning. Now I learn she is dead at the age of 74.

Early on, Gruberová was celebrated for her Queen of the Night (“The Magic Flute”) and Zerbinetta (“Ariadne auf Naxos”). Later, she graduated to heavier, bel canto roles, like Lucia di Lammermoor and Elvira (“I puritani”). Her last operatic appearance, in March 2019, was as another specialty, Elisabetta I (“Roberto Devereux”).

Further performances had been scheduled through 2020, but these were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Gruberová sang in concert for the last time in December 2019.

Here she is in music by Purcell, from the Grammy Award winning album mentioned in my post this morning:

As the Queen of the Night:

As Zerbinetta:

More about Gruberová here:

Obituary: Legendary Soprano Edita Gruberová Dies at 74

R.I.P.

October 18, 2021
Richard Bonynge Celebrates 90 Years

Today is the 90th birthday of Richard Bonynge. Bonynge, born outside Sydney, Australia, was the husband of Dame Joan Sutherland, whom he survives. (Sutherland died in 2010.) It was through his encouragement that Sutherland flourished to become the legendary coloratura soprano she was. The couple married in 1954.

In 1962, after a conductor who had been slated to accompany Sutherland in a recital of operatic arias fell ill, and his replacement was injured in an automobile accident, Bonynge, who had previously been her piano accompanist, rose to the occasion. Thereafter, he would conduct virtually all of Sutherland’s performances.

He also conducted many of her recordings, so that he came to be seen as something of a bel canto specialist. Those of a cattier disposition were sometimes dismissive, suggesting that he had ridden to success on the train of his wife.

Others will note that, above and beyond his considerable discography in the realm of opera, Bonynge distinguished himself also by recording much delightful ballet music for the London/Decca label. More recently, his recordings have been weighted toward Victorian opera, resurrecting forgotten works by Michale Balfe, Alfred Cellier, Sir Arthur Sullivan, and William Vincent Wallace. More power to him!

Happy birthday, Richard Bonynge!

Bonynge conducts ballet music from Massenet’s “Le Cid”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mqobKNC2VE

Bonygne supports Sutherland and Pavarotti:

September 29, 2020
Met Opera Streams Bel Canto Borodin Week

Bel canto and Borodin bookend this week’s offerings from The Metropolitan Opera.

Now entering its seventh week, the Met’s “Live in HD” encore series will include Donizetti’s “Three Queens” trilogy (Monday-Wednesday), Nico Muhly’s adaptation of the book that also inspired Alfred Hitchcock’s “Marnie” (Thursday), Verdi’s “Aida” with Leontyne Price (Friday), Verdi’s “Luisa Miller” (Saturday), and Alexander Borodin’s “Prince Igor” (Sunday).

The operas stream free, for 23 hours, beginning each day at 7:30 p.m. (“La Cenerentola” is available until 6:30 this evening.) You’ll find teasers and bonus materials when following the link.

https://www.metopera.org/user-information/nightly-met-opera-streams/week-7/

April 27, 2020

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