Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Hello, Ragazzi! (Part Four)

I’ve noticed (and no doubt my readers have noticed) that I've been mentioning/referring to Robert Carsen productions frequently in recent posts. This realization made me think. If the Met is going to continue importing some of its “new” productions from other venues (I understand it’s a more economical way to bring in new work than to create every new production from scratch), can we convince them to bring in Robert Carsen’s La Fanciulla del West? Since the Met was the site of Fanciulla’s origin, I think it’s about time we get a new production (or any production for that matter. It’s been 6 years since the last time they presented it.)

Maybe we could cast it with Nina Stemme and Jonas Kaufmann (though I understand he’s travelling outside Europe less due to changes in his domestic life). Alternate tenors: is Brandon Jovanovich ready for this role? He acted a good prince in Rusalka and sang a pretty exciting Florestan in concert a few years ago. How about Anja Kampe or Patricia Racette as Minnie? I am sure there are many other dramatic tenors and sopranos (and barihunks)—who also can act—who could fill out this production. Who would you like to see in a new Fanciulla?

And how about bringing over Carsen’s Tosca (as seen in Zurich—come to think of it, the Met audiences would probably hate that, too) or Midsummer Night’s Dream?  

am pleased that the Met imported Willy Decker’s Traviata, the Chereau Elektra, and the Kent Lulu. And while the likelihood of my visiting the Met in person to see any performances is not high, it makes me sad to know they’re retiring this Traviata. I also am apprehensive about how/with what they will replace itI’ve found some recent original productions from the Met disappointing (Tosca, Rusalka, Eugene Onegin, Don Giovanni, [add your least favorite new production here])

That said, I am looking forward to seeing (Robert Carsen’s) Rosenkavalier this spring and Laurent Pelly’s fanciful Cendrillion next year. And I can’t wait to read all the negative reactions to the new Cosi!

Meanwhile, back to my first thought. Come on Mr. Gelb! Bring us the Carsen Fanciulla! Then we can celebrate with “whiskey per tutti!”

2 comments:

  1. How about Charles Castronovo or Michael Fabiano as Johnson? Not Grigolo, please. Would travel anywhere to see Kaufmann again but don't think it is in his plans. Have the DVD.
    Decker's La Traviata as realized by Yoncheva/Fabiano/Hampson - everything an opera and the Met should be.

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    Replies
    1. Hi. Thanks for reading and thanks for your comments. I agree with you. I'd rather not hear Grigolo in something so heavy. Not that he needs my input, but I think he's best in the French stuff, and no Puccini heavier than Rodolopho.

      Castronovo or Fabiano as Johnson? Yes please! I was a little disappointed in Mr. Hampson's singing last Saturday (disappointed, because I love him!!) but he still acts an ideal Germont. Give me Yoncheva (never heard her till now) and Fabiano Any Day!

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