The Frick’s Angel

[Special thanks to Kevin Manion for his generous assistance with this post, originally published June 24, 2022.] Since you are reading what is generally referred to as “Guy’s personal blog,” it makes a certain kind of sense to say, once again, how we New Yorkers seem to have a special appreciation for what is available …

“Turandot” Returns Triumphantly to the Met

The Met’s Final Dress Rehearsals are one of the great pleasures at New York’s opera house, and none I’ve ever attended has disappointed. The idea is, of course, that it is a rehearsal, but it is after all referred to as “final.” So at this point, the show is ready, and despite occasional comments from …

The Mérode Altarpiece of the Annunciation

Having shared a favorite masterpiece depicting The Annunciation in my Holiday Greetings post (sent on Christmas Day), I’m thrilled to be reminded about another version. My dear friend Dellie Johnson, whom I’ve known longer than either of us wishes to remember, sent this, with a charming note:  Loved the piece on the Ghent Altarpiece.  It …

Ghent Altarpiece: The Annunciation

For this post, I am sharing the image from one of my favorite holiday cards. And sharing it reluctantly, for I’ve sent many copies of this particular card to friends over the years. This is my last copy, and there are no more to send out. I can’t imagine how many of these I must …

A “Tannhäuser” to Remember

We opera goers often find ourselves using the term “unforgettable.” In New York, the idea took on an even more special meaning last Thursday night. Many of us were at the Metropolitan Opera for the first performance of the revival of Wagner’s Tannhäuser, not heard here for a few years . I’m a big fan …