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Birth of a Masterpiece: PUCCINI's Breakthrough Work Manon Lescaut
For opera fans and opera houses, 2024 is to be especially busy as it is the centennial anniversary of PUCCINI’s death. His operas, true to the Italian tradition yet globally oriented, exhibit aspects of both heritage and innovation, allowing him to gain popularity in both Italy and around the world. His work is even part of pop culture, with appearances in the blockbusters Quantum of Solace and Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. Also, when COVID-19 was starting, the Italian air force put on a brilliant show set to the music of his aria “Nessun Dorma” to encourage the nation in such time of trouble. Clearly, PUCCINI’s work has boundless charm.
Why Is Don Carlo a Must-See? (part II)
In the previous article, I discussed how the Théâtre Impérial de l'Opera in Paris invited VERDI to write Don Carlo, which was based on Friedrich SCHILLER's opera by the same name about a historical incident in the Spanish court. The most common of VERDI's versions are the five-act French one and the four-act Italian one. But to really understand VERDI's wholehearted effort and the true appeal of the opera, we must understand the format of the piece—the celebrated genre of grand opera.
Why Is Don Carlo a Must-See? (part I)
"If I had to choose only one of VERDI's operas to be preserved, it would be Don Carlo."
Opera: Blooming Garden of Countless Fragrances Taipei Opera Theater’s 50th Anniversary Concert
You might be wondering, how can opera possibly relate to everyday life?
Benjamin BRITTEN: War Requiem — Poetry of Memory and Death in Motion
The Best Interpretation Among all Possible Ones?
When the TV series, The Newsroom, made its debut with HBO in 2012, at the beginning, the male protagonist made a strenuous objection to the imagination that “America is the mightiest nation in the world”.