Robert Levine

REVIEWER

Robert Levine is music writer and editor. He initiated Amazon.com's classical CD store. Author of "Weep, Shudder, Die - A Guide to Loving Opera," "Maria Callas - A Musical Biography," and "A Child's Guide to the Orchestra".

Magnificent Benjamin Bernheim

Magnificent Benjamin Bernheim Stars in Met’s “Hoffmann”

Magnificent Benjamin Bernheim. The four villains require great range, both vocally and dramatically and Christian Van Horn filled them all. The snide Lindorf, the crazed Coppelius (who sells eyes on the side), the pure evil, murdering Dr Miracle and the silk, elegant Dappertutto all benefit from his dark, resonant tone. Mr Sher has given little delineation to each; Mr Van Horn completed what Sher left out. The third star turn of the evening was from Erin Morley as Olympia. Hers was an object lesson in wacky acting, perfectly wed to high flying coloratura music. She actually embellishes the already difficult doll song and does not stop at the vertiginous E flat. She soars even higher, up to an A flat above high C. The audience found it delicious.

Turandot

TURANDOT at the MET

TURANDOT TURANDOT by Giacomo Puccini. Librettists: Giuseppe Adami & Renato Simoni. World premiere: Teatro alla…