<<  -- 4 --  Maria Nockin    A VERY UNUSUAL EVENING

Susan Graham was an incomparable Poppea who sang with silken sounds and radiated sultry charisma. As her lover, Nero, Kurt Streit had a strong, malleable voice and he handled the Monteverdian style with ease. Veteran mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade was a dramatic, rich voiced Ottavia whose banishment elicited the sympathy of everyone in the audience.

Bass Reinhard Hagen sang with luxurious deep tones as he tried to pour reason on the flames of whim and caprice that ruled Nero's palace. Jill Grove's beautiful chest tones made her a worthy companion for Ottavia and first friend of Seneca. Keith Jameson was a valiant page and Christopher Gillett created an intriguing character as Poppea's Aged Nurse.

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