A decades-long debate about music tuning is bound up with Nazi conspiracy theories, New Age healing methods, a revival of ancient aesthetics, and more.
Capriccio C5395
Zemlinsky is definitely not my thing, but this mad opera is fascinating. Admittedly it’s too long, it’s a mess, and the story is absolutely bonkers. But it has sweep and style, and Gerd Albrecht’s conducting reveals the dazzling score in its glory, plus the singers make the most of their chances. Productions recently took place in both Nancy and Dijon and another in Frankfurt has been postponed. Is George the Dreamer having an opera fashion moment?
Weep of the Year
BelAir BAC156
A classic gets a makeover in this bold reworking filmed at the Théâtre des Bouffes du Nord. Actress Judith Chemla’s Violetta fades away in this hallucinatory and shadowy world, her slender soprano accurate, her acting mesmerizing. The music is fragmentary and impressionistic. The whole performance makes a huge impact. Put the wretched popcorn down – this calls for absinthe.