It’s a classical music day!

So, e’rbody knows about Juan Diego Florez’s 18 high C’s at The Met last night. C.C.’s gonna check out the simulcast on Saturday. Interrupting a piece of theater so a performer can take a bow–or in this case, re-sing the entire aria–is like one of those divisive election-year issues that is bound to stir up emotions. As are Mortier’s modern-dress updates of classic operas.

I’m not sure NYC knowns how lucky it is going to be when you have Gelb at The Met programming hard-core Bel Canto seasons, and Mortier rocking crazy-ass contemporary works at the City Opera. They seem to represent emphatic polar opposites in at least a few regards. If all goes well, and things don’t get too mud-slingy, New Yorkers should be privy to witness an energetic and world class conversation about opera in the 21st century by two of the most well-known opera houses in the world.

Hot.

[BTW: The applause in the audio excerpt last about 1:30, which is about about 60% of the time the actual cabaletta lasts; about 2:30. That should give you an idea about why some opera fans disapprove of placing so much emphasis on virtuosity (as Bel Canto operas generally did). This also includes the audience applauding before an aria has even ended, which you do hear as Florez finishes the encore.]