Tag Archives: bros

The other Plymouth pilgrims

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I suppose in some ways Bellini’s I Puritani is the perfect bel canto opera.  It has lots of great tunes, a wicked coloratura soprano part and an utterly ridiculous plot (my comments on the plot can be found in my review of the Met/Netrebko recording) and, of course, a mad scene.  In this recording from Barcelona’s Liceu the soprano role of Elvira is taken by Edita Gruberova, surely one of the greatest ever in this genre.  At 54 she doesn’t look ideal for the young bride to be but she can act and she gives a master class in bel canto style. What she has to yield to Netrebko in terms of looks and physical commitment she makes up for in sheer technical prowess.

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Lend me a tenor

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ramirezThe saga of “Where in the world is Roberto Devereux?” at the COC continues.  Originally Giuseppe Filianoti was slated to sing the title role in the seven show run that began April 25th.  At some point, some while ago, it was announced that Leonardo Capalbo would sing the first three performances; which he did to some acclaim.  During the week the rumour mill started grinding with news that cover Edgar Ernesto Ramírez would sing tomorrow night’s show and, a bit later, that Filianoti was out completely.  All this has now been confirmed.  Mexican born Toronto resident Ramirez will sing tomorrow and then Spanish tenor José Bros will complete the run (or at least that’s the plan).  It’s a great break for Ramírez and we wish him luck.