Though this one is really about the mezzo. Also, again with the red. Also, exquisite white-shirt-ness.
Worth clicking on to enlarge.
Joyce Didonato as Octavian, Anne Schwanewilms as the Marschallin. La Scala, 2011, via Joyce’s Facebook page.
I was traveling yesterday, but the Marschallin is never far from my heart. Here are a few clips from the Met HD broadcast in 2010 that started it all for me. Fleming, Graham, Schafer.
Giggling women in bed behind Placido, overture, and opening scene:
I remember so clearly: Wait, what? There are WOMEN IN BED TOGETHER ON MY SCREEN. How is this happening? Also: Renee Fleming captures my heart.
Are there any men in this? Don’t care.
The infamous trio made me weep:
How can anything be so beautiful, so full of yearning and grief and joy?
Also: Marschallin, dearest, I’m happy to offer you some comfort.
And also: I maintain that Octavian is a fool. #ChooseTheMarschallin
My third Marschallin Monday post, and there seems to be a common theme arising: RED.
Renee Fleming in red? Works for me. Here’s the end of that act (Act 1), which to me has to be one of the most exquisite things ever written:
And in looking for that, I discovered this new promo video for the upcoming Rosenkavalier at the Met in 2017.
I could do without the “it’s tricky playing a woman playing a boy” trope but my I’m looking forward to this.
A new feature here at the Window: Marschallin Mondays!
To wit:
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| Magdalena Kožená & Anja Harteros Photo: © Monika Rittershaus |
I am here all day for the Marschallin in red.
Photo from this post about the production. Hunted for YouTube clips but came up empty.
I went to see “Elektra” via the Met HD Broadcast on Saturday, which was SPECTACULARLY amazing. Nina Stemme, Waltraud Meier, and Adrianne Pieczonka held me on the edge of my seat, wrenched in their anguish. “OH MY GOODNESS,” I exclaimed after the last note went silent. I wasn’t in alone, either. That has to be one of the most astounding things I’ve ever experienced.
Um and also this, which popped up in the 2016-17 Season preview video that showed before the opera. I also nearly came out of my seat, and texted my cielo immediately, HOLY MOTHER OF GOD.
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| Where is her other hand? |
Fleming. Garanca. All the red.
I’m not sure my heart can take it. Thankfully (or not?) I have a year to get ready. Oh my.
Towanda's Window 