Intermezzo

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.