Saturday, April 14, 2007

Handel's Giulio Cesare (Julius Caesar) at the Metropolitan Opera

I went last night to an unforgettable performance with Ruth Ann Swenson as Cleopatra and David Daniels as Caesar. For $15.00 I sat in the family circle with my binocs listening to riveting performances. The New York Times' review describes David Daniels in the title role as extraordinary and adds:-

The entire cast was excellent, notably the soprano Ruth Ann Swenson, a vocally exquisite Cleopatra; and, in a significant Met debut, the rich-toned Irish mezzo-soprano Patricia Bardon, as Cornelia, the grieving widow of Caesar’s Roman archrival, Pompey.

A highlight was Patricia Bardon's duet at the end of act one with the excellent British mezzo-soprano Alice Coote, as Sesto. It was an absolutely perfect rendering of deeply shared sorrow. Remaining dates are: April 17, 21, 24, 27 with ticket availability.

1 comment:

Jane R said...

Lucky you. A couple of friends of mine from here in Greensboro are headed up to NYC next weekend to hear and see same. I am stuck here. No money, no time. Is the Met going to air it on radio or did I miss it? (I know Turandot was on this past Saturday, I caught the end of it.) Thanks for the report!

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