PROVOCATIVE THOUGHTS:
The late Patric Standford may have written these short pieces deliberately to provoke our feedback. If so, his success is reflected in the rich range of readers' comments appearing at the foot of most of the pages.
Ensemble. Never a Dull Moment - Jules Massenet's 'Cendrillon', live in high definition from New York Metropolitan Opera, impresses Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Vivid and Entertaining - Giuseppe Pennisi attends a Ravel double bill in Rome
DVD Spotlight. Fluid and Magical - Ravel's operas, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... these concise aesthetic works stand out on DVD ...'
Ensemble. Exhilarating Music - Verdi, Rossini, Offenbach, Mozart and Theodore Morrison at Santa Fe Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Vocal Glory - Massenet's 'Manon' in HD from New York Metropolitan Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Rather Quirky - Massenet's 'Manon' at Covent Garden, reviewed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. A Magical Week - Maria Nockin reports from Santa Fe
DVD Spotlight. Love Problems - Donizetti's 'l'Elisir d'amore', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... beguiling candour.'
Ensemble. Much to Contemplate - New ideas at Santa Fe Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Lithe and Musical - Donizetti's 'La Fille du Regiment', enjoyed by Robert Hugill
Ensemble. An Oft Told Tale - Santa Fe Opera's 'Cendrillon', praised by Maria Nockin
Ensemble. Wonderful music - Chabrier's 'Le Roi malgré lui' at Lyons Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill