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 those in charge that there might be interruptions and such, I don’t remember that ever happening.
Yesterday’s Final Dress Rehearsal of Puccini’s Turandot is a good case in point, and Andrew and I enjoyed it as much as anything we’ve seen in a long, long time. (Andrew admits it is, perhaps, his favorite opera.)
If you want to learn more about this very famous opera, the Met’s streaming service (The Met on Demand) offers several performances, and you can’t lose if you listen to and watch the May 6, 2022 performance (it’s available here). In fact, even if you don’t subscribe to The Met on Demand, a 7-day Free Trial is available at the site. But I’m of the opinion that if you like opera, you will want to subscribe. In a very short time, and you’ll love having such quick access to so many fine performances. (No! I don’t get a commission from the Met.)
Several quick video excerpts can also be found online (scroll down to see the excerpts), each with a different interview or singer. It’s all to get you in the mood for one of the Met’s great treasures, with this particular production part of the repertory for the last thirty-four years. Peter Clark, the Met’s Director of Archives, tells the story:
By 1987, it was time for a new production of Turandot that would take advantage of the greatly enhanced technical possibilities of the opera house at Lincoln Center, which had opened in 1966. The obvious choice was the Italian director Franco Zeffirelli whose elaborately detailed, colorfully realistic productions of repertory staples—as well as of the world premiere of Barber’s Antony and Cleopatra, which inaugurated the new opera house—had already made him the idol of the opera-going public. Turandot, the ultimate operatic spectacle, was right up his alley. “A big, eye catching, densely-packed, opulent new production staged by the master of monumentality, Franco Zeffirelli,” declared the New York Post critic. While many reviewers took a priggish attitude about excessive display, the sheer theatricality of Zeffirelli’s spectacle created a sensation with audiences. Turandot became the show to see in New York, a hit on the scale of a Broadway smash, and tickets were practically unobtainable.
Obviously the original production, a gift of Mrs. Donald D. Harrington, was a major success, and now, after all these years, the same production has been been made even better. This revival is a gift of G. Graham Berwind III and The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation, with, additionally, Mr. Berwind sponsoring the refurbishment of the Turandot sets. With the refurbished sets and new costumes, based on original designs by Anna Anne and Dada Saligeri for La Scala, Milan, we’re all made to feel as if we’re watching a whole new production of this spectacular opera.
And the music! What can one say about this beautiful score and the magnificent singing we heard yesterday? And it all comes together—beginning Wednesday February 28—over the next eight weeks in fourteen performances. There will be three different casts of principal singers, all working along with the Met’s almost embarrassingly talented chorus and orchestra. It’s a musical experience not to be missed.
Don’t worry about the opera’s place in the musical realm. If you’re thinking about the story, read it at the Met’s synopsis to learn what happens. And for a little more background, here’s what was on the handout given to those of us attending yesterday’s Final Dress Rehearsal:
Puccini’s final opera is a huge and melodious fairy tale set in a China of legend. Drawing upon the innovative techniques employed by a number of composers in the early decades of the 20th century, the opera’s sprawling orchestration calls for a wide variety of instruments, including alto saxophones, celesta, bass xylophone, harps muffled with pieces of paper, and an organ. Yet for all this, Turandot is recognizably Puccini, bursting with the instantly appealing melodies that are the core of his universal popularity. The chorus plays a major role in each act, and yet the title character’s commanding Act II aria, “In questa reggia,” and her succeeding confrontation with Calàf create an effect of Wagnerian proportions while still remaining in a firmly Italian style. The opera also contains moments of sheer melodic beauty in Puccini’s most lyrical vein, notably Liù’s plaintive “Signore, ascot” and the tenor’s unforgettable hymn of triumph, “Nessun dorma.”
Give yourself a treat this spring and enjoy Turandot at the Met. You might even see me there.
Jane Reed says
I felt like I was there! Thanks for your vivid description and helpful links, Guy!
charleston accident attorney says
Local Accident Attorney Tools To Facilitate Your Life
Everyday charleston accident attorney
Wordai. says
Why Is Everyone Talking About Text Rewriter Right Now Wordai.
heat Pump Dryers says
What Is The Reason Washer Dryer Heat Pump Is Right For You heat Pump Dryers
Washing Machines 10kg says
7 Tips To Make The Profits Of Your Cheapest 10kg Washing Machine Washing Machines 10kg
Car Keys Repair says
10 Things That Your Family Teach You About Car Keys Repair Car Keys Repair
best 12 kg Washing machine says
What Is The Evolution Of Best 12 Kg Washing Machine best 12 kg Washing machine
Double Sided Radiant Barrier says
Think You’re Ready To Start List Of Online Shopping Sites Uk?
Take This Quiz Double Sided Radiant Barrier
Madelaine says
Guide To Fiat Punto Key Replacement: The Intermediate Guide In Fiat Punto
Key Replacement fiat punto key replacement [Madelaine]
ecommerce seo services says
What’s The Job Market For Ecommerce SEO Services Professionals?
ecommerce seo services
double glazing window repairs says
The Top Reasons Why People Succeed In The Double Glazing
Window Repairs Near Me Industry double glazing window repairs
wooden double glazed windows says
How To Build A Successful Double Glazing Windows Near Me Even If
You’re Not Business-Savvy wooden double glazed windows
Macpherson-hedegaard.mdwrite.net says
Pay Attention: Watch Out For How Nissan Juke Key Replacement Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It nissan key Replacement
(Macpherson-hedegaard.mdwrite.net)
Link daftar gotogel says
You’ll Never Guess This Link Daftar Gotogel’s Tricks Link daftar gotogel
Locksmith Near Me For Cars says
10 Things That Your Family Taught You About Locksmith Near Me For Cars Locksmith Near Me For Cars
ghost immobiliser installers near me says
What Freud Can Teach Us About Ghost Immobiliser Review ghost immobiliser installers near me
Reliable Mesothelioma Lawyer says
7 Simple Changes That Will Make A Big Difference In Your Mesothelioma Reliable Mesothelioma Lawyer
slot Demo gratis Pg says
How You Can Use A Weekly Slot Demo Gratis Pragmatic Play No Deposit Project Can Change Your Life
slot Demo gratis Pg
maps.Google.com.tr says
Here’s A Little Known Fact Regarding Mobile Diagnostic car diagnostic, maps.Google.com.tr,
avon online brochures says
30 Inspirational Quotes About Online Avon Brochure avon online brochures
Http://Vn.Easypanme.Com/Board/Bbs/Board.Php?Bo_Table=Business&Wr_Id=1281517 says
What’s The Job Market For Double Glazing Door Repairs Professionals?
Door Repair (http://Vn.Easypanme.Com/Board/Bbs/Board.Php?Bo_Table=Business&Wr_Id=1281517)
Progressivity.ru says
Responsible For A Slot Demo Budget? 10 Amazing Ways To
Spend Your Money slotdemo pragmatic (Progressivity.ru)
small says
7 Small Changes That Will Make The Difference With Your Dreame L30 Ultra
Robot Vacuum And Mop small
local double glazing repair says
Ten Things You Learned In Kindergarden To Help You Get Started
With Double Glazed Repairs Near Me local double glazing repair
web018.dmonster.kr says
See What Blown Double Glazing Repairs Tricks The Celebs Are
Making Use Of double glazing Repairs (web018.dmonster.kr)
Clutch Case says
The Most Profound Problems In Best Cases To Open CSGO Clutch Case
Upvc Window repairs says
9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Upvc
Window Repairs Upvc Window repairs
Locked keys in fiat 500 says
Why You Should Concentrate On Making Improvements To
Fiat Punto Key Replacement Locked keys in fiat 500
Demo Pragmatic Anti Lag says
10 Times You’ll Have To Know About Akun Demo Slot Demo Pragmatic Anti Lag
Window replacement says
What Will Windows Repairs Near Me Be Like In 100 Years?
Window replacement
easyfie.com says
Are You In Search Of Inspiration? Try Looking Up Ford Car Keys ford ka car key, easyfie.com,
Auto Door lock repair says
What’s The Job Market For Auto Door Lock Repair Professionals Like?
Auto Door lock repair
Ghost tracker installation says
This Is A Ghost Tracker Installation Success Story You’ll Never Imagine Ghost tracker installation
seal says
Ten Reasons To Hate People Who Can’t Be Disproved Windows Repairs Near Me seal
volkswagen polo key Price says
Volkswagen Polo Key Price Tools To Help You Manage Your Daily Life
Volkswagen Polo Key Price Trick Every Person Should Know volkswagen polo key Price
Prices says
Why People Don’t Care About Double Glazed Units Near Me Prices
treadmill For home says
Treadmill UK: It’s Not As Difficult As You Think treadmill For home
3 Wheel Travel Mobility Scooters says
What’s The Reason You’re Failing At 3 Wheel Mobility Scooter For Adults
3 Wheel Travel Mobility Scooters
mymobilityscooters says
The Top 5 Reasons Why People Are Successful On The Folding Scooters
For Sale Industry mymobilityscooters
Car Keys replacement near me says
9 Things Your Parents Taught You About Car Keys Replacement Near Me Car Keys replacement near me
Clara says
The No. One Question That Everyone Working In Case Opening Battle
CSGO Should Be Able Answer case clutch (Clara)
how much is a car diagnostics test says
What Is Car Diagnostics And How To Utilize What Is
Car Diagnostics And How To Use how much is a car diagnostics test
Patrice says
10 Inspiring Images About Electric Fireplace Wall Mounted
wall mounted fireplaces electric (Patrice)
Breville Premium Water Filters says
Five Best Online Shopping Uk Clothes Projects To Use
For Any Budget Breville Premium Water Filters
Peugeot Replacement Key Fob says
Guide To Peugeot Replacement Key Fob: The Intermediate Guide
The Steps To Peugeot Replacement Key Fob Peugeot Replacement Key Fob
Zelma says
20 Things You Need To Know About Blown Double Glazing Repairs Near Me double glaze (Zelma)
Frederic says
The Most Pervasive Problems In Locksmith Near Me For Car locksmith for cars; Frederic,
whitewater mesothelioma law firm says
11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your Mesothelioma Attorney whitewater mesothelioma law firm
Gloves Cases says
Best Cases To Open CSGO: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Gloves Cases
Bmw Key Fob Replacement says
A Trip Back In Time What People Said About Bmw Replacement Key Fob 20 Years
Ago Bmw Key Fob Replacement
Avon Sign Up Kit says
14 Cartoons About Avon Sign Up Kit That’ll Brighten Your Day Avon Sign Up Kit
비아그라판매 says
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
After all I will be subscribing to your feed
and I hope you write again very soon!
uznev.uz says
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article
author for your weblog. You have some really good articles and I believe I would be a good
asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off,
I’d absolutely love to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back
to mine. Please shoot me an email if interested. Regards!
500px.com says
This information is invaluable. When can I find out more?
dilahanim says
Hot OF models are ready and eager to have a blast with a man, but they’re not going to be going too far to find it. Have a look at our expanding assortment of galleries filled up with sexy and playful content.
zencortex order says
Hello everyone, it’s my first pay a quick visit at this
site, and post is genuinely fruitful in support of me, keep up posting these content.
Parsel4D says
hello there and thank you for your info – I have
definitely picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise several technical points using this site, as I experienced to reload the web site lots of times previous to I could get it to load correctly.
I had been wondering if your web host is OK?
Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your
placement in google and can damage your high quality
score if advertising and marketing with Adwords.
Well I’m adding this RSS to my email and could look out for a lot
more of your respective fascinating content. Make sure you update this again very
soon.
download says
Its not my first time to go to see this web page, i
am visiting this web page dailly and obtain fastidious data from here daily.