It's funky, but I don't mind it. I do miss seeing the sandwich in your photo, though. I do like the boxes highlighting the different features on your front page.
I notice that Sarah Moule is still listed as a host, but we haven't heard her in months. We miss her! Bring her back!
Hey guys, I'm 23 min. into the new episode, around the point where you're discussing a black singer cast as Otello (in England). Laura Quest says that minority singers hope to be cast in Porgy and Bess. It's my understanding that the Gershwins stipulated in the licensing rights that the black roles must be cast with black singers (at least, I read this in the SFO program for Porgy and Bess).
@Craig Cruz Jr., I think you misheard Laura Quest. What she actually said was that minorities would think "I hope to god they cast me in Porgy and Bess", but that was code for "I hope I can get a job" because for a long time the only roles black singers could get were in Porgy (or Showboat) - and that was true, as you say, only because Ira Gershwin stipulated that. As LQ also pointed out - and this is the context of the quote - the other roles (like Aida), which could be, and perhaps for historically accuracy should be, portrayed by black singers were being portrayed by white singers in blackface. There was no chance for black singers in a lot of productions, and this is perhaps still true especially for black tenors matched with white sopranos.
Anyway, I think the OC asked for any examples of black Otellos (plays, operas) in England, and while I don't have that, I do remember this story saying that blackface would be banned in Covent Garden. This started for Ulrica in Un Ballo in Maschera and was in response to an article in The Independent. But that was just a few years ago. Maybe Sarah can give a report in an upcoming episode?
@Michael, the balloon opening was funny and still in my memory, at least. Although, I have no clue who the Jerky Boys are? Name sounds familiar, but it may have been my anti-culture youth.
I really enjoyed LQ. I like how she just jumped in there, even during Oliver's Corner. You gotta protect your corner better than that, Comacho! She has a sort of superhero name to : Laura Quest: She's 7 feet tall, wears a clown costume, carries a notebook and tosses out flopping rubber to defend against the throng of naked women!
Oh. My. God. I have never been so ... intrigued ... by a girls locker room story until this episode's post-show. You must have Laura Quest on the panel again. I would switch teams (for a day) just to hear more stories from her.
Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 12:09PM
Reader Comments (17)
I like it! The background makes your tables pop and your link highlight color is pretty sweet. :)
It's funky, but I don't mind it. I do miss seeing the sandwich in your photo, though. I do like the boxes highlighting the different features on your front page.
I notice that Sarah Moule is still listed as a host, but we haven't heard her in months. We miss her! Bring her back!
She's still listed in the Host section. The time difference makes it tough for her to appear.
But she is coming to Chicago this month so she will make a triumphant return! Both to the show and possibly my bed. (unless she reads this.)
You're so kind to sleep on the couch while Sarah visits Chicago.
I can't wait to hear her again and her critiques: always judicious, always delicious.
I like it. It is cool, clean and professional, but the header clashes quite a bit.
I like it too. What a nice surprise. Also, a new episode already? Great.
Wow. In the beginning of the episode there was 3 minutes of...I don't know what. It was kind of annoying.
Does nobody appreciate the Jerky Boys? As I said, balloon boy was old news. But still...
Hey guys, I'm 23 min. into the new episode, around the point where you're discussing a black singer cast as Otello (in England). Laura Quest says that minority singers hope to be cast in Porgy and Bess. It's my understanding that the Gershwins stipulated in the licensing rights that the black roles must be cast with black singers (at least, I read this in the SFO program for Porgy and Bess).
Unfortunately for you, Micahel (sic), I have read this.
Please have Ms. Questi back. I want her to explain (again) what she means by "the Great American Opera." Does she like or not like John Adams?
I like!
Just finished the podcast.
@Craig Cruz Jr., I think you misheard Laura Quest. What she actually said was that minorities would think "I hope to god they cast me in Porgy and Bess", but that was code for "I hope I can get a job" because for a long time the only roles black singers could get were in Porgy (or Showboat) - and that was true, as you say, only because Ira Gershwin stipulated that. As LQ also pointed out - and this is the context of the quote - the other roles (like Aida), which could be, and perhaps for historically accuracy should be, portrayed by black singers were being portrayed by white singers in blackface. There was no chance for black singers in a lot of productions, and this is perhaps still true especially for black tenors matched with white sopranos.
Anyway, I think the OC asked for any examples of black Otellos (plays, operas) in England, and while I don't have that, I do remember this story saying that blackface would be banned in Covent Garden. This started for Ulrica in Un Ballo in Maschera and was in response to an article in The Independent. But that was just a few years ago. Maybe Sarah can give a report in an upcoming episode?
@Michael, the balloon opening was funny and still in my memory, at least. Although, I have no clue who the Jerky Boys are? Name sounds familiar, but it may have been my anti-culture youth.
I really enjoyed LQ. I like how she just jumped in there, even during Oliver's Corner. You gotta protect your corner better than that, Comacho! She has a sort of superhero name to : Laura Quest: She's 7 feet tall, wears a clown costume, carries a notebook and tosses out flopping rubber to defend against the throng of naked women!
Thanks for the explanation, Terry. I'm afraid I got lost in that whole segment. That's what I get for listening to OperaNow! at the office.
Oh. My. God. I have never been so ... intrigued ... by a girls locker room story until this episode's post-show. You must have Laura Quest on the panel again. I would switch teams (for a day) just to hear more stories from her.
I like it. Freshening things up (our homes, our office, our websites) is good for the soul.
I like the new website format, folks. Where's the damned sandwich, though??? It made the opera singer seem like a real person! ;-)