tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245314665139759027.post2980804206757301515..comments2024-01-04T13:56:52.127-05:00Comments on Regie, or Not Regie?: Gratuitous Friday – Kaufmann, Strehl, & Banse in FierrabrasRobhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16322512607114908183noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245314665139759027.post-4496852685479764462012-10-20T00:15:22.835-04:002012-10-20T00:15:22.835-04:00Like you, David, I picked this up for Herr Kaufman...Like you, David, I picked this up for Herr Kaufmann, not realizing that the role of Fierrabras had little to do in the opera known as Fierrabras. I did however have my first encounters with Michael Volle, Christoph Strehl, and Franz Welser-Möst, for which I am grateful. <br /><br />Skipping that Tito is a good idea, since the music is not really suited to Herr Kauffman, Eva Mei is an annoying Vitellia, and Frau Kasarova is better in the Salzburg video. The Amazing Malin Hartelius is the Servilla, but honestly, no one ever goes to, or buys a Tito for the Servilla!<br /><br />There are some pretty melodies, but Fierrabras will never have a place in the standard opera repertoire. I'd think it might be more likely to have performances by choral groups as an oratorio. At least in this DVD, Claus Guth has given us a few odd/interesting things to look at and ponder. <br /><br />My favorite bit (I need to post it soon) is the finale, when Schubert is handing out music to everyone EXCEPT Fierrabras, and the interplay between the two of them.Robhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16322512607114908183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3245314665139759027.post-32590111488756571632012-10-19T19:06:20.669-04:002012-10-19T19:06:20.669-04:00I admit that I bought this because of Kaufmann--ab...I admit that I bought this because of Kaufmann--absurd since he has only one aria. I love Schubert lieder--another rationalization--but it is easy to see/hear why this opera is never going to enjoy a wide revival. I'm not a completist as regards Kaufmann (no interest in the Tito given the reworking of the recits) and I can't conceive of buying the ROH Tosca since I already have the one from Zurich (plus the old Kabaivanska and she is marvelous) so I was hoping for a collection of arias/songs that were as engaging as many of the great songs. I still remain unconvinced, but perhaps repeated viewings/listenings will awake a spark, but to date...............David Dollingernoreply@blogger.com