The Passenger in New York: first review
mainOur operavores Elizabeth Frayer & Shawn E Milnes were at the first night of HGO’s production of Mieczyslaw Weinberg’s masterpiece. They weren’t overwhelmed (as we were), but this is an opera that takes time to eter the soul. Click here for their report – ahead of all New York media.
Second review’s just in – George Grella on New York Classical Review is impressed by Weinberg’s musical restraint. Click here.
I disagree with the critics. I attended Saturday’s performance and found it to be one of the greatest operas of the 20th Century on many levels, and it completely exceeded my expectations. Weinberg had a tremendous feel for theatre and narrative, and the tension and suspense built through the entire opera, carrying with it an element of suspense. I never looked at my watch, and the time flew by. It had all of the elements which should make it a major part of the standard repertoire, and its neglect is scandalous. Weinberg is the 3rd greatest Soviet composer after Shostakovich and Prokofiev. I can hardly wait to see or hear his other operas, particularly The Idiot, which was debuted in Mannheim. I think NYC would be a welcoming venue for such a performance.