My first arts review for the Portland Mercury was published on Blogtown PDX today (PS, go comment on it already!). Suffice it to say I was pretty underwhelmed with Portland Opera's take on a little-know Cavalli gem.
I was interested to see, though, that the Oregonian's David Stabler found it "delightful" and "light-hearted," and that while I felt conductor Robert Ainsley's realization of the score was one of the production's low points (where was the incredible palette of color; the fire; the rhythmic snap and bite the score demanded?), Stabler wrote that Ainsley's realization "delighted the ear and seemed entirely in keeping with the drama."
Different critics, different opinions, right? Or maybe, after living for eight years in "America's early music capital," I just got spoiled on a regular diet of world-class early music performances. Did I simply expect too much from the home team?
Monday, March 16, 2009
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3 comments:
You know, I love hanging around with smart people like you. Makes me feel good to tag along on your knowledge. And makes me feel silly that I don't know more than I do.
Stephen, I'm a bit confused by your logic. Your last statement seems to imply that David Stabler has NOT lived in Portland for the last 8 years and gotten spoiled on a regular diet of world-class early music performances. In fact, he's probably heard the PBO perform more times than you have, yes? Of course you're entitled to have a different opinion than he, but your logic of "why" doesn't seem to follow. Tell me what I'm missing...
Hi Sara,
What you're missing was that helpful little hyperlink which connected to the Boston Early Music Festival - one of the prime reasons Boston is considered "America's early music capital."
I lived in Boston for eight years and, with no offense to PBO here in Portland, there's simply no comparison between the richness of Boston's early music scene and, well, pretty much any other American city. Though I welcome any argument you might make on that point.
- SMB
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