Tosca in HD This Weekend

This weekend Tosca will  be screened Live in HD for the second time. The production by Luc Bondy is one of the most controversial productions at the Met as it premiered to a number of boos in 2009 at the Opening Night of the season. The Met has presented the production four straight seasons and has failed to sell out the house.  

This season Patricia Racette will bring her acclaimed portrait of the diva. However Racette's voice has declined in the past years since she first sang it in 2010. The voice struggles to get to the top of the range and she sounds uncomfortable. Roberto Alagna sings Cavaradossi and critics have praised him for his ardor. However Alagna struggles with most of the role except his arias and has a hollow sound. As Scarpia George Gagnidze brings his chaotic voice to the role which he sang at the premiere of the production. His Scarpia is one dimensional and he has failed to add any layers to the role.  

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With all these elements it seems this HD will be one of the biggest disappointments of the season. Additionally it seems like it will be a waste of time considering such operas as Di Frau Ohne Schatten, Arabella, Die Fledermaus, and Norma were ignored. 

As Opera fans which HD would you guys have liked to see instead of Tosca? Who is Going to see this Work?

Two new DVDs for Jonas Kaufman and One for Renee Fleming

Decca has just announced the release of the Met's Rodelinda sung by Renee Fleming and Andreas Scholl. The DVD conducted by Harry Bicket also stars Stephanie Blythe and the production was directed by Stephen Wadsworth.

Jonas Kaufmann will have two new DVD releases this fall. The first being the long delayed Konigkinder with Isabel Rey from the Zurich Opera released by DECCA and finally the Royal Opera House will release Jonathon Kent's Tosca on EMI. The production stars Angela Gheorghiu, Bryn Terfel and Jonas Kaufmann and is conducted by Antonio Pappano. It will be released first in Europe and then later released in the USA.