Lilly

The last and most subtle of Richard Strauss's operas gets a finely nuanced interpretation in this San Francisco Opera production. A generally excellent cast is highlighted not only by the radiant presence of Kiri Te Kanawa but by the deceptively robust performance of Tatiana Troyanos in her last operatic appearance before her untimely death from cancer. The composer described Capriccio as a "conversation piece for music in one act," and he put a lot of effort into it, not only the music but the words, on which he collaborated with conductor Clemens Krauss. His verbal input was particularly appropriate in this work, because the real subject (symbolized by a conventional love triangle) is the competition (and alliance) between words and music in opera, a subject naturally close to the composer-librettist's heart. The conversation runs through the whole opera in various forms. It begins immediately after the curtain goes up, with a quarrel between the poet Olivier (Simon Keenlyside) and the composer Flamand (David Kuebler) over the respective merits of their arts. They are rivals for the hand of the widowed Countess Madeleine (Te Kanawa); she is to choose between them (i.e., between poetry and music) but she is still undecided as the final curtain descends. The intervening two hours are rich in artistic shop talk and backstage situations that will enchant sophisticated opera-lovers, as well as the love interest for the rest of us. David Runnicles conducts with a sure sense of Straussian style; and Mauro Pagano's 18th-century set creates the right atmosphere. Keenlyside and Kuebler are eloquent and believable, Te Kanawa sweet, regal and ambiguous. Håkan Hagegård and Victor Braun give particularly vivid performances in supporting roles. --Joe McLellan

Opera personified, the poet (words) and the composer (music) are rivals for the love of the countess (opera). Her dilemma is to choose between them.

Becky Schlegel strides quietly, confidently forward--an artist whose talents continue to astound. Her musical strengths remain songs of unusual beauty and depth, and a voice that is heartbreakingly delicate; clear as a star-filled sky and unerringly true. On DANDELION, she puts forth what might well be her most commercial country effort to date, and does so without sacrificing an ounce of artistic integrity or her bluegrass heritage. 'This was a warm, welcoming project for many reasons,' Schlegel says. 'We took a more relaxed, spontaneous approach on DANDELION [co-produced by Schlegel and Brian Fesler] and let the songs be free to end up where they were destined to be.' The result is a live-sounding record that is rich with natural nuance and magical tone. The 13-song collection is filled with Schlegel originals and features an all-star cast of supporting players, including: Randy Kohrs (Resonator Guitar/Background Vocals); Richard Dworsky, Benny Weinbeck (Piano); Gordon Johnson (Bass); Marc Anderson, Phil Hey (Percussion/Drums); Michael Witcher (Resonator Guitar); Kenny Wilson (Pedal Steel, Electric Guitar); Brian Fesler (Banjo, Acoustic/Electric Guitars); Josh Williams (Mandolin/Background Vocals); Jeff Midkiff, Joe Cruz (mandolin) and Clint Hoover (Chromatic/Diatonic Harps). The CD opens with the ephemeral Anna, a haunting and fully-formed vignette of the past that was inspired by Schlegel's late grandmother. Another highlight is the engaging I Never Loved You Cowboy, a mid-tempo tune inspired by a real-life teenaged breakup. 'I tried so hard to act as if it didn t matter at the time,' Becky says, 'but deep down I was heartbroken.' The disc's first single is the lilting So Embarrassing, which features the harmonies of Randy Kohrs. The tempo picks up with Colorado Line; a long look back at a well-remembered goodbye - and what might have been. When It Rains tells the story of a trucker, a waitress, a truck stop layover - and the outer limits of loneliness. 'Josh Williams' harmony vocal on this one gives me goose bumps,' Becky states. For those who still believe that music should transport and transcend, Becky Schlegel and DANDELION await.

Classic country in a fresh yet respectful style by this sweet songbird of the prairie.

Hides scratches and worn edges. Blends with most fine furniture and cabinet finishes. For use on wood surfaces such as tables, chairs, cabinets, and door casings. Colorfast, long lasting, and dries to the touch in seconds. Package contains 3 markers: Gloss, matte, and charcoal gray.