Battle of the Butterflies! ft. Ermonela Jaho
TKO returns as we pit two favorite artists against each other, one American and one Italian, in the obstacle course that is Madama Butterfly. Find out soprano flits, flutters, and flies above the competition with guest judge Anthony Barrese, who leads Opera Southwest’s upcoming production of the Puccini masterpiece. Plus, Ermonela Jaho, one of the undisputed great Cio-Cio San’s of our time, takes a Free Throw on her signature role. Then we hear a field report on the Met’s production of Grounded in Listener Mailbag.
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Episode Summary
In this episode of Opera Box Score, we dive into the dynamic world of opera through a lively discussion featuring program hosts, Weston Williams, Oliver Camacho, and Matt Cummings, along with our esteemed guest judge, Maestro Anthony Barrese. The highlight of the episode is an exciting return of TKO, where we examine two iconic sopranos—one American and one Italian—as they navigate the emotional and technical challenges of Puccini’s beloved opera, Madama Butterfly.
As part of our TKO segment, Oliver and Matt passionately defend their selected recordings of Madama Butterfly, discussing crucial aspects of interpretation, vocal quality, and orchestral accompaniment. Oliver champions the 1957 recording featuring Anna Moffo, emphasizing its fragile beauty and intimacy, which he first experienced as an impressionable listener. Meanwhile, Matt counters with a 1974 recording by Mirella Freni, conveying her rich vocality and the compelling chemistry with her co-star, Luciano Pavarotti. The discussion is dynamic, jumping from technical vocal assessments to shifts in emotional delivery, all while dissecting the distinct qualities each soprano brings to the iconic aria “Un Bel Di Vedremo.”
Intertwined with these discussions, we hear from Maestro Barrese, who offers his evaluative insights on the recordings and highlights the relevance of casting and orchestration in achieving a fulfilling performance of Butterfly. Our expert input deepens the appreciation of different interpretations, adding layers to the experience of such a well-loved opera.
It is such a joy to have Ermonela Jaho, a standout soprano known for her compelling portrayals of Chocho-san, on the show in an interview with Oliver. In a refreshing twist, Ermonela shares insights from a recent conversation about her deep connection to the role and the emotional toll it can take on a performer, especially in such a gripping narrative. Her reflections provide listeners with an intimate glimpse into the psychological preparation needed for this demanding role and how it resonates personally over her numerous performances.
Listeners are treated to a field report from the listener mailbag regarding the production of Janine Tesori’s Grounded, showcasing the opera’s contemporary themes and the emotional engagement it inspires. The hosts weigh in with their thoughts, revealing personal reactions to the challenging, fast-paced narrative experienced through the performances.
In our two-minute drill segment, we cover pressing news from the world of opera, including the recent acquisition of Harmonia Mundi by Universal Music Group and upcoming performances across various opera houses. We reflect on the implications of these industry shifts while celebrating the vibrant life of operatic culture.
Together, the episode encapsulates a rich exploration of the art of opera, blending insightful commentary with vibrant performances, and encourages our audience to engage with the rich tapestry that is opera, from the emotional intricacies of characters like Cio Cio San to the ever-evolving landscape of operatic presentation. You’ll leave this episode inspired to further your own opera journey, whether through classic recordings or contemporary works, and equipped with deeper knowledge of the craft.
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We are a troop of opera lovers who have banded together to create a weekly broadcast. We meet the artists that make this art form tick… and we express our opinions on the state of the art. Come join us on your favorite podcast platform. New episodes like this one, Unmixed Doubles! ft. Galeano Salas and Antonin Rondepierre, drop on Thursday mornings.
