Opera Australia: Der Ring des Nibelungen: Siegfried Arts Centre Melbourne/22 November 2013 ***** Brünnhilde’s final outpouring to Siegfried at the end of the second day of Wagner’s music drama begins: ‘O kindischer Held! O herrlischer Knabe! Du hehrster Taten töriger Hort!’ The terms ‘childish’, ‘boy’ and ‘foolish’ are among several along these lines that may…
Ceremony of Carols Choir of St James’ Church, King Street, Sydney 23 November 2013 Benjamin Britten was born on St Cecilia’s Day (22 November) 1913 and the Choir of St James’ Church celebrated his centenary with a concert focusing on his music. It provided a splendid conclusion to a year of fine performances under the…
Opera Australia: Der Ring des Nibelungen: Die Walküre Arts Centre Melbourne/20 November 2013 ***** Now that the glitter has settled on the ‘preliminary evening’, the ‘first day’ of Wagner’s music drama in three acts has been revealed. As was the case with Das Rheingold, audience and critics may be divided on how successfully Opera…