[ opera ] Verdis late-in-life opera Otello is a staggering work of art, both dramatically and in terms of the physical scope of the music and staging. It is easily the most compelling operatic treatment of Shakespeare in the repertoire…
[ opera ] A surprising and completely delightful trend in the musty old world of opera has been a robust interest in the creation of new works. In this town, the Opera Company of Philadelphia, as well as the superb…
Music email print font size options Posted: Thu, Jan. 12, 2012, 3:00 AM Suite Spot Gotta Be Mimi Peter Burwasser This is a fine time for a Philadelphian to get into classical music, thanks to a spate of excellent…
[ opera ] Ghenady Meirson is the go-to guy for Russian vocal music in Philly. His long-standing Russian Romance recitals at the Academy of Vocal Arts are perennial sell-outs. He seems to be on a one-man crusade to demonstrate the…
[ classical ] Mahler said, “A symphony must be like the world.” His seventh work in that format, then, is a dark and sprawling world, one of adventure, daring and, ultimately, resolution. It is the sole work on this program.…
1. Martha Argerich (Deutsche Grammaphon) This is a newly discovered trove of recordings made by the matchless Martha Argerich between 1959 and 1967. The repertoire here ranges from small Mazurkas to the grand Sonata No. 3, but vivid intensity underlines…
MUSIC . Suite Spot Hey Fat Ladies by Peter Burwasser print email reply rss feed Published: Apr 22, 2009 It is one of the most enduring clichés in classical music: The opera “ain’t over until the fat lady sings.”…
ARTS . Opera Same Old Song Cyrano can’t reach its lofty goals by Peter Burwasser print email reply rss feed Published: Feb 13, 2008 Before the curtains even open, the Philadelphia première of David DiChiera’s new Cyrano has so…
FOOD . Old World Order Our team of tasters tackles wines from Eastern and Southern Europe. by Peter Burwasser print email reply rss feed Published: Jul 31, 2007 wine (CLICK IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION) There is little question that…
August 18-24, 2005 food A Rosé Is Not a Rosé by Peter Burwasser Not all pink wine is the same. The legions of wine lovers who (properly) turn up their noses at white zinfandel would be missing a great treat…