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Posted by tuga on
05-18-2011
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fiogf49gjkf0d I listened to a fragment of a Queen of Spades aria while driving home this evening and it never ceases to amaze me how Tchaikovsky's music can touch me so deeply as I was able to identify the music's author after just a few chords considering that I am a relative newcomer to classical music.
Anyway, I was hoping someone would suggest a couple of recordings for a first approach to the full work.Russian singers, preferably.
Thanks,
Ric
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Posted by Romy the Cat on
05-18-2011
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fiogf49gjkf0d Ric,
I have love/hate relationship with Queen of Spades, it is complicated….
Unfortunately Queen of Spades, even it is a popular and well performed and recorded opera, never had in my view, a definitive committed to recording event. I think I have most, if not all recordings from end of 30s and I do not like any of them. Sure they have own moments but as opera in whole I do not think that Queen of Spades was performed “interestingly” and recorded. Partially it the opera’s fault I think…
The Cat
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Posted by tuga on
05-20-2011
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fiogf49gjkf0d Thanks.
Since there's hardly any chance I'll get to listen to it live or again on the radio I'm getting a recorded version anyway...Gergiev?
Cheers,
Ric
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Posted by Romy the Cat on
05-20-2011
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fiogf49gjkf0d Yes, Gergiev’s version of Queen of Spades probably in the top of the list but only as there is nothing else available. Gergiev is in my view a very good opera conductor but he has no good singers in his disposal. Do not get me wrong, the singer with OK with Gergiev but they did not break the back, if you know what I mean. In the Gergiev’s version of Queen of Spades you will not find the Maria Callas as Norma, the Tito Gobbi as Scarpia, Renata Tebaldi as Tosca or Mimi. Music of Queen of Spades is fantastic, beyond fantastic, but I think the opera as a whole it still waits own definitive version.
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