On the other hand

Never mind the preemptive complaint. Das Lied was terrific, successful all around, and whatever Hunt might have done to improve on von Otter's effort, it wasn't something that came to mind during the event.

You never can tell what'll happen live, which may be why I get so frustrated when it's the predictable bad thing.

Argh

The highlight of the city's non-opera season is off: Lorraine Hunt Lieberson is out of this Sunday's "Das Lied von der Erde" with the Met Orchestra due to a (non-singing) injury.

Best wishes to her. Meanwhile the antiseptic Anne Sofie von Otter is hardly a replacement.

I have (some) readers (!?)

I'd considered this site in previews, sticking to its readership of a half-dozen friends until the trickle of initial posts added up to something. Having my Rodelinda review be already noticed is an interesting turn. If referred readers stay, it's gratifying. But the timing could be better -- I've been on a long vacation, and the Met is about to begin one of its own. Of course, there's always something to see...

At any rate, I do intend to keep posting, stretches of silence notwithstanding. Thanks for your patience as I bring this place up to speed. Comments are, again, welcome.