Superconductor
Since 2007, Superconductor has grown from an occasional concert or CD review to a near-daily publication covering classical music, opera and the arts in and around NYC, with excursions to Boston, Philadelphia, and upstate NY. And no, I'm not a conductor.
MY BLOGS
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Paul Pelkonen
http://super-conductor.blogspot.com/
Honest content and criticism of today's classical music scene.
The site includes classical music and opera reviews, CD and DVD reviews and recommendations, and the occasional opinion piece on the state of the classical music industry. The goal of Superconductor is to provide concise, well-written reviews for the classical music lover and novice alike.
LATEST ARTICLES ( 2463 )
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Metropolitan Opera Preview: Turandot
The Met revives Franco Zeffirelli's monumental staging of the Puccini favorite. by Paul J. Pelkonen She's looking for a few good men:Maria Guleghina returns in... Read more
Posted on 14 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
Lockout Looms at Atlanta Symphony Orchestra
Musicians, management throw down over budget cuts. by Paul J. Pelkonen Labor issues are heating up in Atlanta. Image from Gone With the Wind © 1939 MGM. Read more
Posted on 13 August 2012 THEATRE & OPERA -
Concert Review: Funeral for a Friend
Lutoslawski, Bartók and um...Mozart at Mostly Mozart. by Paul J. Pelkonen The pensive Jean-Efflam Bavouzet. Photo © 2012 Paul Mitchell for the BBC Proms. Read more
Posted on 13 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
Metropolitan Opera Preview: L'Elisir d'Amore
Bart Sher's new production of the Donizetti classic. by Paul Pelkonen Ambrogio Maestri (l.) and Anna Netrebko model the latest in top hats.Promotional image... Read more
Posted on 13 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
The 2012-2013 Superconductor Metropolitan Opera Preview
Yes, it's that time of the year again. by Paul J. Pelkonen A lake of blood is just one controversial image in François Girard's new production of Parsifal,... Read more
Posted on 13 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
Brass Tacks: Tenors
Our series continues with the ringing power of the high male voice. by Paul J. Pelkonen Prize singer: Klaus Florian Vogt is one of the finest heroic tenors... Read more
Posted on 11 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
Concert Review: Remastering the Romantics
Pablo Heras-Casado conducts the Freiburg Baroque Orchestra. by Paul J. Pelkonen Pablo Heras-Casado demonstrates his ninja podium technique. Photo by... Read more
Posted on 11 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
Brass Tacks: Historically Informed Performance
So what do they mean by "original instruments?" by Paul J. Pelkonen Natural horns (with replaceable "crooks" instead of valves) are a key part of historically... Read more
Posted on 10 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
Brass Tacks: Mezzo-Sopranos and Altos
Discussing the female voices that are lower than the soprano. by Paul J. Pelkonen Mezzo extrem: Susan Graham in the title role of Handel's Ariodante.... Read more
Posted on 09 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
The Ghost of Conductors Past
James Levine may cancel 2013-2014 performances at the Met. by Paul J. Pelkonen The presence of conductor James Levine is fading from the Metropolitan Opera... Read more
Posted on 09 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
Brass Tacks: The Concerto
The Eternal Struggle of Soloist vs. Orchestra. by Paul J. Pelkonen Sergei Rachmaninoff at the piano. Acclaimed as a composer and pianist, he wrote four piano... Read more
Posted on 09 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
Brass Tacks: Sopranos
Part I of a Superconductor series on Voice Types. by Paul J. Pelkonen La Divina: The great Maria Callas. Photo © EMI Classics. Read more
Posted on 08 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
Brass Tacks: The Symphony and Sonata Form
“Faerie’s Aire and Death Waltz"(from ‘A Tribute to Zdenko G. Fibich’) by John Stump.© the composer. Sonata Allegro and other mysteries. by Paul J. Read more
Posted on 08 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
Evgeny Nikitin Takes on...KISS?
Tattooed opera singer blasts American rockers in Der Spiegel. by Paul J. Pelkonen Bassist Gene Simmons (left) of American rockers Kiss and bass-baritone Evgeny... Read more
Posted on 07 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
Waiting For the World to End
A Superconductor Editorial. by Paul J. Pelkonen The final conflagration at the end of the Met's new Ring Cycle.Photo by Ken Howard © 2012 The Metropolitan Opera. Read more
Posted on 07 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
The Best Opera Productions I've Ever Seen: Die Frau Ohne Schatten
Metropolitan Opera House, Nov. 18, 1989 by Paul J. Pelkonen "Er wird zu stein!" James King as the Emperor in Act III of Die Frau ohne SchattenPhoto from the... Read more
Posted on 07 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
Concert Review: Trouble is His Business
Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts Beethoven and Haydn at Mostly Mozart by Paul J. Pelkonen Trouble shooter: Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Photo by Marco Borggreve © 2012... Read more
Posted on 04 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
Concert Review: The Gifts of Prometheus
Yannick Nézet-Séguin brings Beethoven to Mostly Mozart. by Paul J. Pelkonen Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Photo by Chris Alonso. On Thursday night, the Chamber Orchestr... Read more
Posted on 03 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
Concert Review: Genius of Love
Mostly Mozart's 2012 opening features starry special guests. Mostly Mozart opens with an appearance by tenor Lawrence Brownlee. by Paul J. Read more
Posted on 02 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA -
Ink-a Dinka Doo
Controversy continues over Evgeny Nikitin's tattoo. by Paul J. Pelkonen Evgeny Nikitin: the completed, controversial tattoo is to the left of his... Read more
Posted on 02 August 2012 CULTURE, THEATRE & OPERA