Classical Music

George1959 said:
Well then, here is the libretto in English:
Libretto from Turandot

And here is a version (with English subtitles) that meets Puccini's style more than the other versions since the 'Ice Queen' Turandot commits suicide in the end.
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Thank you! I will definitely check out this version. And an English libretto is appreciated.

For anyone who is interested, here is a short (30-second) trailer for the New York Met's production. I was able to see it broadcast live to our local theater a couple of years ago. I get chills just watching this. It's so beautiful.

 

KSav said:
Thank you! I will definitely check out this version. And an English libretto is appreciated.

For anyone who is interested, here is a short (30-second) trailer for the New York Met's production. I was able to see it broadcast live to our local theater a couple of years ago. I get chills just watching this. It's so beautiful.

Click to expand...
This is fantastic.
The following end scene is a little longer:


The MET had always some of the best or even the best productions. They were very near to the original.

In comparison this modern stage design of Turandot from the 'Gran Teatre del Liceu' in Barcelona is just plain ugly:

 
After watching the most famous operas of Puccini I came across his operas which are not so well known. Among them is "Il Tabarro" (The Cloak), the first of three short operas, known as "Il trittico". For some critics this naturalistic opera is his best work. A barge on the river Seine in Paris in the evening, the river flowing. The music is almost mesmerizing in the beginning.
Il tabarro - Wikipedia

 
KSav said:
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A magnificent recording. As you know, Gould first recorded the variations in 1955, then again in 1981, which was one of his latter recordings. I love them both, but actually prefer the 1981 version.

Gould is my all time favorite "classical" pianist. I had the distinctly wonderful experience of hearing him perform live at a recital given in Cincinnati in 1964 at the Wilson Auditorium. It was one of his last live performances before he stopped concertizing in order to devote full time to recordings.
 
Georges Bizet: Carmen - L'amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera)
Two versions, the first with Elina Garanca, the second (only a part) with Anna Caterina Antonacci

 
I've just discovered on YouTube another version of the love duet in Puccini's "Madama Butterfly". Obviously there exists a movie of the opera. In my opinion this is one of the most sensual performances, if not the most.
Ying Huang as Cio-Cio-San (Butterfly) and Richard Troxell as B. F. PINKERTON, (Lieutenant, U.S.N) are superb.


If somebody wants to know a little more of "Madama Butterfly", the introduction by Antonio Pappano could be helpful.

 
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George1959 said:
Georges Bizet: Carmen - L'amour est un oiseau rebelle (Habanera)
Two versions, the first with Elina Garanca, the second (only a part) with Anna Caterina Antonacci
Click to expand...
Heh, heh. That woman is about ready to spill out of her top! That would be one hellluva Carmen..:oops:
I played two seasons with the Cincinnati Opera in the mid 1960s. I loved it, and Carmen was one of my favorites. Still is.
 
I came upon the whole movie of "Madama Butterfly". It's a magnificent French production (1995) with English subtitles.

 
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