A new Ring has just begun at Covent Garden. A solemn and momentous occasion, covered by all the quality newspapers. Over the next two seasons it will be slowly unveiled, culminating in a proper cycle in 2006/07.
Portentiously, the Guardian even included it in the Comment Section, although rather snottily - strange how journalists, clearly living somewhere other than the real world focus on the £150 seats whereas over half are £50 or - significantly - less. Presumably it's infra dig for the stuck-up journos to mix with the ordinary working people, pensioners and students - music lovers - in the balcony, amphitheatre or slips.
In fairness they had previously given space to the director Why do we have such a need for the operas of a deeply prejudiced man? Director Keith Warner on Wagner
Their critic goes on to damn it with faint praise
The Telegraph says A jolly nice show that won't melt any hearts
The Times continues the theme of praising Terfel and Pappano and giving an indifferent shrug to the production.
The Independent manages two reviews
There is also quite some discussion on Usenet
I shall be going on the last night of this run; whether I get to Die Walküre lies in the laps of the gods, as I keep everything crossed.
Last night's Imagine on BBC1, for which the BBC appear not to have retained any web presence, was rather wonderful. Clearly timed to coincide with the launch of the Ring, it profiled a year in the life of the rather wonderful Tony Pappano, Musical Director and seriously good conductor of the Royal Opera. Showing excerpts from many of this year's productions - many of them witnessed by me - it culminated with opening night of Das Rheingold (they even showed a very very brief clip of Plácido, looking gorgeous, of course, - he was in London last weekend...). They also mentioned that both Das Rheingold and Die Walküre would be shown on BBC2 over Easter.
Hearing part of that wonderful opening made my spine tingle with sheer blissful excitement. But there's Christmas and a holiday on the Red Sea Riviera to get through yet. Sigh
