Intermezzo

Christian Lacroix frocks up in Frankfurt

No whorehouse mermaids or panto pussies for Christian Lacroix. "I love to resurrect bygone worlds," he says. "My idea of ​​paradise is to touch the fabrics of the past, to smell the scents of the past."

Proving that historical inspiration can transcend mere reproduction, here are some of his fabulous costume designs for Vincent Boussard's new production of Adriana Lecouvreur, which opens at Oper Frankfurt on Sunday.

Angela's first ever Adriana Lecouvreur cancellation

Here's Angela's BBC Breakfast interview from last week, in which she reveals (around the 5 minute mark) that she was actually supposed to sing Adriana Lecouvreur at Covent Garden some time before the current production - but cancelled. Unfortunately the interviewers aren't sharp enough to probe any further, but I suspect this little snippet may account for one or other of the multiple Bohèmes or Traviatas foisted on us at short notice over the last few years. (Thanks Isabella for providing).

That's enough Angela for a while.

If you want to hear what her substitute, Ángeles Blancas Gulin, got up to check out this sound clip on GTL Torn T.

Guess which dates Gheorghiu will cancel next

So, after last night's all-too-predictable news, which other dates do you think Angela Gheorghiu will cancel? Any - or all? Vote below (you can vote for more than one date if you're particularly pessimistic).

 

*UPDATE 7/12* - with Angela's dates now completed, the poll is CLOSED - here are the final results:

 

Angela Gheorghiu is unwell

 
Well, did you really think she'd get through a whole run? The sickest soprano in operatic history has cancelled tonight's appearance in Adriana Lecouvreur at the Royal Opera House.  (via Gert)

The announcement was apparently "greeted with derisive laughter and boos".

Britain's greatest opera director pimps some product

Above, David McVicar discusses his new Adriana Lecouvreur with the Guardian. Includes a few live clips.

Adriana Lecouvreur at the Royal Opera House

Adriana Lecouvreur - Royal Opera House, 18 November 2010 (first night)

Perhaps it's true what they say about Angela Gheorghiu. At any rate, someone seems to have sucked the blood out of this money-no-object new production. Sure it's professionally crafted, ideally cast and skilfully performed, but then so is Paint Never Dries. 

before teh internets

Jonas Kaufmann followed in legendary footsteps last night: the role of Maurizio was taken at Adriana Lecouvreur's 1902 premiere by none other than Enrico Caruso.

Shortly afterwards Caruso made the above recording of No, più nobile. Although it's part of a duet, there's no soprano on the recording. Caruso is accompanied by the composer himself, Cilea, on piano.

Adriana Lecouvreur in photos

Some photos of the Royal Opera House's new Adriana Lecouvreur, which opened a few hours ago. More (and words) to follow later.

Adriana Lecouvreur images

 

Corbis have a few images from Monday's dress rehearsal. I will post a larger set here when I have time.

Meanwhile - check out the body language at Monday's post-rehearsal signing session.

s3x & violets

As befits a production which will journey to San Francisco and Vienna, David McVicar's new Adriana Lecouvreur is as conservative as David Cameron holding hands with Boris Johnson in a Margaret Thatcher t-shirt. The stage-within-a-stage set is revolutionary only in the sense that it turns round, though I suppose some might regard that as innovation.  Deprived by the pesky libretto of the opportunity to slip in one of his customary orgies, McVicar's only remotely adult tableau consists of a few actresses in eighteenth century underthings. Instead he gets down to the business of telling the story with minimal fannying around.