The Covent Garden Opera – the evolution of greatness, Part One
Jon Tolansky covers the early years of the Covent Garden Opera, with the formation of an orchestra, chorus and a body of principal singers under the Music Director Karl Rankl, soon joined by major international stars, such as Wagnerian soprano Kirsten Flagstad and conductor Erich Kleiber for some outstanding performances. Illustrating the company's work, we hear excerpts from Peter Grimes, Götterdämmerung, Der Rosenkavalier and Wozzeck.
Participants
Jon Tolansky
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The Covent Garden Opera – the evolution of greatness, Part Two
Maria Callas bursts onto the London scene - her performances as Norma in 1952 caused a sensation and were another important landmark in Covent Garden's evolution. As was the appointment of the young conductor Rafael Kubelik and his blazing debut in Otello, starring Ramon Vinay and Gre Brouwenstijn. With eyewitness testimony from Joan Sutherland, Edward Downes, Nicholas Payne, Lord Harewood and timpanist Harold Nash.
From the series: The Covent Garden Opera - the evolution of greatness
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The Covent Garden Opera – the evolution of greatness, Part Three
One of the great strengths of the Covent Garden Opera was its roster of outstanding singers on salary, which allowed to perform major works with very few guest principals. Most remarkable at this time was the production of Berlioz's epic The Trojans, which in 1957 received more or less its first staged performances anywhere in the world. It gave the young company member Jon Vickers an early break in his career and was conducted by the Music Director Rafael Kubelik. But visiting stars still mattered and Maria Callas made another sensational appearance as Violetta in La Traviata. With more eyewitness testimonials from Lord Harewood, Jon Vickers, Edward Downes and Nicholas Payne.
From the series: The Covent Garden Opera - the evolution of greatness
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The Covent Garden Opera – the evolution of greatness, Part Four
Joan Sutherland had been a member of the Covent Garden ensemble of singers for several years, taking many important roles, but in 1959 she caused a sensation with her debut in the title role of Lucia di Lammermoor. As well as hearing live excerpts from this historic occasion, you will learn from Joan Sutherland herself, from Richard Bonynge and Lord Harewood how this all came to happen. Then in 1961 came another titanic event, with the new production of Fidelio, produced and conducted by the 75 year-old Otto Klemperer and starring Sena Jurinac and Jon Vickers, its effect here testified by Nicholas Payne and bass-baritone Victor Godfrey.
From the series: The Covent Garden Opera - the evolution of greatness
