Articles tagged with: Christopher Purves
Lyric Opera’s ‘Butterfly,’ with spellbinding new cast, beautifully frames a soprano’s fine art
Review: Soprano Racette may not look like a fragile 15-year-old Japanese bride, but then few dramatic sopranos who specialize in Italian opera do. Yet Racette is one of those singing actresses who can make you believe just about anything, so sincere is her art and so particular her skills. ★★★★
Lyric Opera’s ‘Butterfly’ displays a fine frame, but the musical drama is a different picture
Review: To behold the grand, airy set for “Madama Butterfly” at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, with its curvaceous walkway and layered, mat-like proscenium framing – on display even as the audience assembled — was to sense one’s expectations peak toward something special, uncommon, fine. What ensued was largely unremarkable, even unattractive in various aspects from conducting and singing to basic on-stage movement. ★★
