Self-indulgent ritards and rubato cheapens scores, especially already over-composed scores like Boheme. Obviously, Domingo wasn't paying attention, but Netrebko should not be taking unannounced liberties like that. It's Diva-ism, prodded on by an audience who pays to see vocal spectacle, not art. So it's not surprising that the audience booed him, they'll always side with the performer over the conductor.
The tradition of performers more-or-less dictating the musical direction of the performance is, in this listener's mind, the most repulsive convention in opera.
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Other reader comments on this article
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Date
Is human to make a mistake/special day for domingo ,wife birthday/conducting Villazon and netrebko toghether,Toscanini in his time did a... [MORE]
jose maria de cores risso
Dec 10, 2006 08:46
He and Rostropovich should never have taken up conducting. [MORE]
Richard Adams
Dec 9, 2006 06:45
Self-indulgent ritards and rubato cheapens scores, especially already over-composed scores like Boheme. Obviously, Domingo wasn't paying attention, but Netrebko should...
Listener
Dec 8, 2006 23:30
I disagree with the previous posts. True, the conducting was ragged. I heard Netrebko come in early on Mi chiamano... [MORE]
Law Prof
Dec 8, 2006 14:37
I thought the Booing was justified. Never have I heard such indulgent conducting. And I love Domingo on stage. [MORE]
Jimmy B. Powell
Dec 7, 2006 20:20
I am not surprised Christina Gallardo Domas is nowhere to be found. In fact, I would be willing to bet... [MORE]
Opera Singer
Dec 7, 2006 12:47
The poor coodination between podium and singer may well have been a reflection of insufficient rehearsal time together. Ms. Netrebko,... [MORE]
netrebko watcher
Dec 9, 2006 15:44
Booing the greatest artist of the opera is pure stupidity. And I'm very sorry for Netrebko's attitude on stage. [MORE]
Dragos Cojocaru
Dec 29, 2006 01:31
Comment on Domingo Booed In ‘Bohème'
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