Checking in

I've been away from both my home and the internet for a few days, with not much to report. I did see Britten's The Little Sweep in a wonderfully well done production at the Sarasota Opera's Youth Opera. Done mostly with kids, there is some real talent there and I wouldn't be surprised if we heard from one or two of them in the future. I also suspect that more than a few of them will also develop a love of opera as a result. Bravi tutti!

I've also be giving the Vezzani, Journet, Berthon, Busser Faust another listen (since I was in the mood). I was struck that it is more complete that the recent Met performances, lacking only the Spinning Scene (and perhaps a cut or two in the Walpurgisnacht). This is no wimpy Faust, but a very vital (if occasionally strained) performance. Journet is characterful even if his voice betrays his age a bit (it is still remarkable at 63 though).

My "Alagna doppelgänger", generated a little more traffic (thank you Sarah!). I've also added some new links: Patty Mitchell's Oboe Insight as well as Simon's A Piece of Monologue.