ROSSINIANA #23

Of course Figaro, the footloose barber, goes on to further life roles ... valet to the Count Almaviva (who has in the mean time married ... and been unfaithful to ... Rosina ...). In the second of Beaumarchais' plays (and Mozart's opera) his suspicions towards his boss and his potentially amorous connections to his bride-to-be Susanna brings out the angry revolutionary in him.

In THE GHOSTS of VERSAILLES (partially based on Beaumarchais' third play LA MERE COUPABLE) Figaro dreams ...

And a few helpful links:
The Ghosts of Versailles
How to Stage a Revolution
Pierre Beaumarchais
La mere coupable

ROSSINIANA #1

Well it's the opening day of rehearsal and we have 26 more days (of intense work by the singers and production staff ) until you have your first chance to see BLO's colorful production of Rossini's masterpiece THE BARBER of SEVILLE. I thought it might be fun to having a running, daily check-in with Rossini's world  here on the blog ... consisting of anecdotes, film clips, various (and wildly varied) performances of his music, etc. I think Rossini  himself, a sardonic self critic, fabled raconteur, and creator of exemplary (even manic) musical wit might well be intrigued or charmed at what we turn up--or perhaps in some cases amusingly  appalled with what has been done in his name. Enjoy.

--John Conklin

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What better way to kick off than with an Overture:

#internupdate2

I am a multi-tasker. However, I find it difficult sometimes to focus on the task at hand and avoid external distractions like Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail. The key to the most effective level of concentration is that the focus must be intense yet relaxed. I am a “whistle-while-you-work” type and right now I’m listening to Act II of Verdi’s Macbeth (which is getting me SO excited for the BLO production!) I find that a well-constructed playlist can help get the job done. Furthermore, I think opera and classical instrumental music provides a stimulating balance to ease the stress of project management.

The positive effect classical music has on the brain as one learns is well established and I find it allows me to concentrate on the task at hand. Tonal opera and classical music provides a relaxing atmosphere with the beauty of the composition itself, but does not distract my attention: it is simply an “easy” listen. Whether you are an opera buff familiar with these pieces, or someone who never considered listening to opera while working, check out a few of the pieces I find to be perfect additions of inspiration and beauty for my study playlists and everyday life!

1)      Song to the Moon (from Rusalka)

2)     Meditation (from Thaïs)

3)     Sous le dôme épais (from Lakmé)

4)     Chopin Etude in E Major

5)     Ev’ry Valley (from Handel’s Messiah)

6)     ANY Mozart Piano Concerto (the Allegro from No. 5 is a personal favorite)

7)     Au fond du temple saint (from Les pêcheurs de perles)

8)     Dove sono (from The Marriage of Figaro)

And, maybe when you complete your next big project, or cross off the last item on your to-do list, you can blast the end of “Nessun Dorma” or “Ride of the Valkyries” for some dramatic effect.

--Melanie Burbules, Boston University ‘14

Hot-tempered Arias in the City

With temperatures in Boston predicted to climb well into the 90s today, we thought it the perfect opportunity to share some of our favorite hot-tempered arias with you.

Stay hot, dear readers, and enjoy!

Maria Callas in Covent Garden performs Habanera (Carmen, Georges Bizet)



Angela Gheorghiu performs Si, Mi chiamano Mimi (La Bohème, Puccini)

Renee Fleming performs Un bel di vedremo (Madama Butterfly, Puccini)

Cecilia Bartoli performs Voi, che sapete (The Marriage of Figaro, Mozart)

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa performs Vissi d'arte (Tosca, Puccini)