Unfortunately, the Royal Opera House has been scrupulously rationing tickets for Simon Boccanegra, so I was unable to attend the Friends Open Rehearsal yesterday. Of course, it's fair that they did ration them, but, still...In any case it means that my preview round-up is not too late!
Placido Domingo: one of history's greatest
He may be pushing 70, but tenor Placido Domingo shows little sign of
slowing
down. Rupert Christiansen looks back over his extraordinary career as
he
prepares to sing baritone at Covent Garden for the first time
Placido Domingo's finest moments
The high points in the great tenor's career.
Placido Domingo: 'If I rest, I rust'
Placido Domingo is the best-known, and best-loved,
tenor in the world. Next week he makes his Covent Garden debut as a
baritone. He may sound different but he's still the hottest ticket in
town, says Jessica Duchen
Contrary to what has been rumoured round the internet, he did not announce his intention to retire from singing before next January
An artist as complete as Domingo appears once in a generation. And a good part of it is about his personal charisma. Domingo has about him an exceptional atmosphere – call it an aura, if you like – that seems to affect the air of whatever stage or room he's in. It's not only that he looks taller than he really is (he does), or that you can't quite believe you're facing the real McCoy in person; everything near him begins to function with extra intensity and focus.
But with Domingo there's something extra: a warmth, generosity and solidity that suggests not only a great heart but a strong and sensible mind. You don't only admire him; you trust him. What comes first, the artistry or the man? I'd like to think that, indivisibly, they fuel one another.
Short clip from Floral Street yesterday after the Dress Rehearsal: Plácido Domingo's busy days.
Interview with Joseph Calleja, who sings Gabriele Adorno.
