November 7, 2004

This afternoon the Cantata Singers presented a beautifully moving performance of Schumann's Scenes from Goethe's Faust at Jordan Hall in Boston, conducted by David Hoose. Among the soloists were baritone David Kravitz (Faust), soprano Jennifer Foster (Gretchen), bass Mark Andrew Cleveland (Mephistopheles), and tenor Charles Blandy (Ariel). The chorus was excellent.

September 21, 2004

The compact disc Aria 3: Metamorphosis is being released on September 21, 2004, as a follow-up to the previously released successful CD’s Aria and Aria 2. Paul Schwartz, who conceived, created and performed the recording, has transformed some operatic melodies to create contemporary ambient/dance soundscapes. Broadway’s Tony-nominated Rebecca Luker provides soprano vocals. A chorus is heard to dramatic effect on some of the selections. Some selections are instrumental. Those who enjoyed the previous recordings are likely to enjoy this one as well. Among the arias that Schwartz has chosen as his inspiration are Handel’s “Ombra mai fu” from Serse, Puccini’s “Chi il bel sogno di Doretta” from La Rondine, Verdi’s “Amami, Alfredo” from La Traviata, and Handel's "Lascia ch'io pianga" from Rinaldo. This recording is not for serious opera fans who are almost certain to prefer the original orchestrations of the arias with the voice more prominent minus the backbeat. But fans of ambient music who appreciate the electronic backbeat and contemporary arrangements may find these pieces hauntingly beautiful.

April 30, 2004

The Back Bay Chorale will perform Handel's oratorio Judas Maccabeus with Kendra Colton, soprano, Pamela Dellal, mezzo-soprano, Frank Kelley, tenor, Mark Andrew Cleveland, bass, and the orchestra of Emmanuel Music, at Sanders Theatre, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Saturday May 15, 2004, at 7 p.m.

April 26, 2004

The DVD version of the staged Glyndebourne production (1996) of Handel's Theodora is scheduled for release in late June 2004 at amazon.com and amazon.co.uk.

Cast List
Dawn Upshaw ... Theodora
David Daniels ... Didymus
Frode Olsen ... Valens
Richard Croft ... Septimius
Lorraine Hunt ... Irene

February 14, 2004

100 por Carlos Gardel, a four-CD set of 100 songs sung by Argentine tango legend Carlos Gardel, will be released at amazon.com on February 17, 2004.