My impression from memory and everything I can find to read about it is that this opera is a vehicle for whoever sings the protagonist. In Sacramento this will be a countertenor, Randall Scotting, an American who sings internationally. He gets a mad scene. If he's any good, it should be a treat. It plays Friday night and Sunday afternoon.
Here is a dvd from the Zurich opera.
3 comments:
For a few years back around 2002-05, Randall Scotting sang in Denver in both the Met Regionals and Denver Lyric Opera Guild competitions. I seem to recall he rarely made it beyond the first round in any of them, although where one finishes in a voice competition is not always the optimal indicator of one's overall talent or operatic staying power.
I clearly recall that his voice sounded very forced, especially in his upper register, and it was exceptionally shrill -- even more so than with your average counter-tenor. Here's hoping he has improved in the intervening years.
Hi Paul. I have been missing you. We will maintain a positive attitude, but nothing will erase the memory of Marilyn Horne.
Paul, I remember hearing Randall at those competitions several years back and I have to disagree with your assessment. I will admit that I am not usually a fan of countertenors but I thought his voice was musical and quite pleasant.
I remember that one year he placed at the top in the District Met competition. I know because my friends and I were very happy for him since he is a Colorado boy (don't get me started on how those competitions now allow anybody to sing anywhere! Very upsetting!). Anyway, that was quite a while ago now and I am glad to see that he is having some level of success.
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