by Charles Kruger Musicologists have noted that the four opera Ring cycle might be considered analogous to a traditional Classical symphony: the first (“Das Rheingold”) being an exposition of themes, the second (“Die Walkure”) a traditionally slow movement, the third (“Siegfried”) a light scherzo movement, and the last (“Gotterdammerrung”) a grand dramatic finale. The point […]
by Charles Kruger The second opera of the Ring Cycle, “Die Walkürie” opens far from Valhalla, the home of the gods, outside the cabin of the huntsman Hunding (Raymond Aceto) and his unwilling bride, Sieglinde (Karita Mattila). The action begins while Hunding is away, and a stranger, Siegmund (Brandon Jovanovich) flees from the forest into […]
by Charles Kruger Near the close of Das Rheingold, the earth goddess, Erda, rises from beneath the ground to warn Wotan of the curse of the Ring. It is an incredibly thrilling moment at the War Memorial Opera House, thanks to the wonderful performance of mezzo-soprano Ronnita Miller, in a signature role. Erda’s warning is […]
by Charles Kruger Little is known of the biography of William Shakespeare. A few things we do know: After marrying Anne Hathaway, eight years his senior, and the birth of their first child, he left her in their hometown of Stratford to pursue a theatrical career in London, returning only occasionally over the coming years […]
by Charles Kruger There are as many Hamlets as there are actors with thoughts to put in him, imagination to give him shape, or time to act him in. And he is so very complex, that, no matter how successful the actor, we can absolutely believe none of them. Yet, errant knaves all, we will […]
by Charles Kruger Although “The Diary of Anne Frank” received a Broadway revival in the late 20th century, and the film version won multiple Academy awards (including Best Director for George Stevens and best supporting actress for Shelley Winters) and is included by the American Film Institute in its list of the 100 Most Inspiring Movies, […]
by Charles Kruger At the start of Sha Sha Higby’s “Paper Wings III,” undulating lighting effects seem to place us underwater, while the sounds evoke bird song. The effect of bird song underwater is other worldly, and that sense of an encounter with another world increases, beautifully, throughout the entire performance. It is all like […]
