Favorite Composer?
Thats like asking which is a favorite pet or child - they are ALL my favorites!!
I can give you my "desert island" selections if that helps!
In no particular order, since I change my mind often.
1 - Offenbachs "Les Contes d' Hoffmann" - the recording with Shicoff, vanDam, Serra, Norman.
Some call this the "psychotic" Hoffmann, based on Shicoffs protrayal, but I like the lighter sound compared to Domingos recording. I think this opera does not get nearly enough stage time - it seems to have fallen out of favor, although every coloratura at audtions wants to sing Olympia.
I prefer the Oeser vs. the Choudens version, and will argue the merits of vocal color for each of the heroines - I think having one singer do all 4 roles is a travesty.
Ok, on to number 2:
2 - Don Giovanni.
Mozart all day would not be a bad way to spend the rest of my life.
Recordings? Harnoncourt, in period tempi with Hampson in the role, since damn, he's really attractive vocally and physically. Although I wouldn't turn down Dimi either, but my understanding from him is that he is will no longer sing the Don or Leporello.
I prefer a bass for Leporello - again that whole "vocal coloring" thing I'm hung up on.
3 - La Traviata - with Moffo, Merrill, and Tucker. No discussion, the all-time BEST cast. Cotrubas a close second, but I don't like Domingo as Alfredo.
4 - More Mozart, this time Cosi Fan Tutte, with Schwarzkopf, Ludwig, Berry.
Bartoli and Gruberova have a highlights disc out that is lovely when it is just either or both of them but Furlanetto just makes my skin crawl. Too woofy of a sound - Cosi needs a baritone that can float the sound - he sounds like he is trying to saw his way through.
5 - Der Fliegende Hollander - no specific recording on this one. In 1976, I heard a Met broadcast and immediately fell in love with opera. I was 12.
I know, I know... Wagner? Who would have thought?
Anyway, sorry for the long ramble, but you asked!
Thanks for the warm welcome!!!
CMB
