Again: Nadja Michael's Salome

[Brünnhilde forever]

This time she performed in the 2007 Luc Bondy production at La Scala in Milano. I can not praise her enough, her singing and of course her acting. She was a beautiful dancer in the McVicar directed performance at the ROH, where the director springs a surprise on us with his idea of Salome's famous dance. Luc Bondy also keeps us in suspense, with a very intelligent, yet revealing thoughtfulness. - No, I am not going to tell, on the remote chance any of you might buy this TDK DVD! - Bondy also keeps the flow of blood from Jochanaan's head to a minimum, in fact we don't see it until Salome finally fulfills her desires and kisses him on his mouth. I like that version!

In this Scala performance we have a very strong Jochanaan with Falk Struckmann. He is more human under Bondy's guidance - love the few moments during the prophet's tale of the Saviour's work in Judaea, where he rests his hand on Salome's knee, sitting close beside him, much to her surprise about this physical contact. Very well acted! -

Peter Bronder as Herodes is another different and special appearance. Outstanding singing and especially superb acting.

Both, the McVicar and the Luc Bondy productions on DVD are worth every penny; depending on your preference of the figure of Jochanaan of course. I now prefer Falk Struckmann.

[Brünnhilde forever]

More:

[Brünnhilde forever]

one more:

[bhodges]

Thanks for posting this, Lis!  I don't know Nadja Michael at all, but am always eager to discover a singer who can do that role. 

--Bruce

[Brünnhilde forever]

All kinds of Utubes available:

http://video.google.com/videosearch?hl=en&q=nadja+michael&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=X&oi=video_result_group&resnum=4&ct=title#

[Brünnhilde forever]

Bruce: Love your Avatar! I have been fascinated by this project since it's start. Here you can read more about it:

http://www.elbphilharmonie.de/index_html.php?language=en

The news about the project have not been too good. Der Spiegel had a short interview with the architect Pierre de Meuron, Basel, questioning him about the tripling of the original construction estimate, now up to 450 Millionen Euros - originally 150 Million Euros - . The architect replied throughout the interview very diplomatically to all questions; the architect is responsible for the construction of a building and to fulfill the planned intentions and purpose of this concert hall and opera venue. Cost of the construction is not in the field of the architects responsibility.

Nicely dodged!

[knight66]

It looks to be an astonishing and exciting building. Imagine being able to live above such a concert hall....almost equals my own mother's wish to live in a flat above a Marks and Spencer shop!

As to the idea of the architect being able to ignore costs, what nonsense.

Mike