OperaNow! #145: #wearethe99% (of critics)

Michael Kaiser worries that there are too many voices commenting on classical music...Rolando Villazon shows his underwear.

Oliver's Corner (attempts) to close out Rodelinda with tracks by Marilyn Horne, Andreas Scholl, Lawrence Zazzo, Sarah Connolly, and Marijana Mijonavic.

This week features Michael, The OC, Doug Dodson, and Jenny Rivera.

Some techincal problems on Oliver's end led us to shutting things down early (which may leave people wanting more.)

If you are in NYC on December 2nd, come on by Opera on Tap's benefit event featuring your own Micahel as member of a "celebrity" panel!

Comments

[Adam]

Another great show guys.

Wondered if you have seen this rather eloquent deconstruction of Kath Jenkins' ability to ignite anger in the opera world, it's quite something.

http://stevesilverman.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/1046/

[Michael Rice]

Did not! Thanks Adam. I'm going to steal it.

[zach]

Oliver said that in the past an entire singers career was documented by the writings of critics. These critics provided detailed accounts of how the singers performed and the quality of their voices. Reviews of vocal performances just aren't as descriptive these days as they used to be. I think that those old reviews were so high quality out of necessity because without them no one would have any idea how the singers sounded. In the days of live HD transmissions, radio broadcasts, and of course studio and pirate recordings (in addition to blogs) it is just too easy to document operatic performances so the need for well trained critics and writers isn't as important as it used to be.

But the point of the Kaiser article is that bloggers aren't qualified to write about classical music. I will agree with Michael when he says that some high profile classical music critics in major publications write just as badly as some of the bloggers. I will go one step further and say that because we have recordings, youtube, and HD broadcasts, all reviews are obsolete. It is just our habit of putting things down in writing that keeps reviews going.

For me personally, I will read a review only to see what they're saying about my favorite singers. Otherwise, I form my own opinions based on seeing the opera for myself or listening to a recording. Is this bad?

Anyway, this episode is good so far. I haven't finished it. The technical problems are unfortunate, but you guys are so funny filling in for Oliver when he drops out.

Also, it's great to have Jenny back on the show. I just went to Jenny's website and she has a great recording of herself singing an aria from L'Olimpiade on it. I have to buy that recording from myself for X-Mas. I want to hear Jenny sing "Gemo in un punto e fremo!".

[Gianmarco]

Too bad about the probs in OC - but it was fun to listen to the early music geek-out with Oliver, Doug and Jenny! The whole discussion of reviews is sooo fraught. I think people *do* want to read good criticism still (despite youtube/HD etc, but I get what you're saying Zach). There's no way we can all be at every performance live, and many performances will continue to go undocumented by HD/youtube/live recording etc., so there'll always be a place for good, considered, well-written criticism. It's just that the venue is truly changing. You can read very good reviews on blogs - not all of it is bitchy! What's interesting (and working for the Communications dept. of large opera company is teaching me this) is that organizations still believe in the brand i.e. - a New York Times review is better copy than some bliggety blog opinion. I think that's changing though and eventually we'll see "rave review quote" (Joe's Blog) in press materials. It's probably already happening. But I do miss the days of longer, more considered reviews in newspapers - I certainly learned a lot that way even growing up in a medium sized city. Fascinating.
Great podcast - but we need more stories next time, and at least one of your theme tunes!

[Molly]

"If you're sad, go tell a tree."

[Steve Silverman]

As the Frankenstein who created the monster that is the debunking of Katherine Jenkins, I'm immensely flattered that my scribblings have crossed the Atlantic. I'm intrigued to know what you plan to do with it, Michael.

As I said on the Facebook page (which appears to be a desert of inactivity, hence my repeating it here), I loved the discussion about reviews by amateur bloggers. As one myself (though well-educated in opera history and performance) for Opera Britannia, I'm very careful not to undertake anything where my frame of reference is too narrow for me to be able to do a job I'd be proud of. Room for all opinions. I agree with Doug that the well-informed pieces will be self-evident.

[Michael Rice]

Hi Steve. Will certainly discuss next show.

[CruzSF]

"Come play a recorder with us." You all were on fire for this episode, even with the OC's intermittent cut-outs. Very enjoyable and very informative. I'm enjoying the Handel breakdown very much. It's well timed with my recent "discovery" of Handel-and-earlier Baroque opera. Thank you very much. (Plus, it's great to hear Jenny again and I love that she doesn't back down when Michael raises his voice in passion.)