Winterreise Preview – New Release from Jonas Kaufmann

I don't normally condone pirating music that one can actually purchase commercially, but in this case, it's not yet available in the U.S. So... here are some clips from JK's new recording of Die Winterreise. 

Save up your Deutschmarks, Francs, Pounds, or bucks, because the official U.S. release date is April 1!

Manic Mozart Monday – Vesselina Kasarova is Vitellia (in Recital)

This audio recording is from her 1997 Mozart Arias recital disc with Colin Davis conducting. She makes Vitellia sound angry, desperate, and yes, at one point even a bit tired. Imagine what Frau Kasarova could do with this on stage (and with Maestro Harnoncourt conducting!) Add her to the list of Sestos I'd love to see move over to Vitellia!

I, for one, would like to see her in a few more girl's roles (even though, I think we all agree that she's an awesome Mezzo in Pants!)

North Star – A Great Article About Kristine Opolais

North Star Kristine Opolais

It sounds like a fairy tale. A beautiful young girl sings a song, a handsome listener falls in love with her, and in a blink of an eye she becomes a star. Now they travel the world, making music together. In broad strokes, that is exactly what happened to Kristine Opolais, the Latvian soprano who made a sensational debut at the Metropolitan Opera this past season. The New York Times hailed her “plush voice with a throbbing richness that lends a touch of poignancy to every phrase she sings” in her portrayal of Magda in Puccini’s La Rondine.  

Did you know she's married to Andris Nelsons and that she's also a Mom? Read the rest of this article at Classical Singer Magazine* and listen to Kristine Opolaias as Magda in La Rondine at the Met:

*Classical Singer Magazine is aimed primarily at singers, but it is provides fascinating reading for lovers of singing, too. You can subscribe to print or online only versions.

David Bižić Sings! (With Lisette Oropesa)

An audio excerpt from the new production of Werther at the Met:

David Bižić Speaks!

Just posted: David Bižić's interview with Margaret Juntwait broadcast on Met Opera Radio on SIRIUS XM on February 24, 2014. He talks about making his debut at the Met and about his “ascent” to higher baritone opera roles. Mr. Bižić is well- spoken, and he has a speaking voice that’s as warm and wonderful as his singing voice!