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Crescendo
Tom Gullick
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Singer brings devilish repertoire to isles
Those of you who have enjoyed one of the Honolulu Symphony's opera and song evenings will recall the crowd-pleasing concerts of such superstars as Frederica von Stade, Deborah Voigt and Renée Fleming. Now it's time for the men to take center stage.
'Date with the Devil'
Samuel Ramey sings with the Honolulu Symphony
» In concert: 8 p.m. Friday and 4 p.m. Sunday
» Place: Blaisdell Concert Hall
» Tickets: $15 to $65
» Call: 792-2000 or visit www.honolulusymphony.com
The program
» "Une Puce Gentile" and "Devant la Maison" from "Damnation of Faust," by Hector Berlioz
» "Ave Signor," "Son lo Spirito Che Nega Sempre Tutto" and "Ecco il Mondo" from "Mephistofele," by Arrigo Boito
» "Le Veau Dior est Toujours Debout!" and "Vous Qui Faites l'Endormie" from "Faust," by Charles Gounod
» "I was Never Saner" and "I Burn, I Freeze" from "Rake's Progress," by Igor Stravinsky
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Opera lovers and all those who enjoy dramatic music are in for a treat this weekend as Samuel Ramey, the internationally renowned superstar, brings his signature program of "devilish" music to Honolulu.
Ramey, who hails from Kansas, is one of opera's greatest interpreters of the bass and bass-baritone repertoire. Our "Date with the Devil" concerts will feature a smoldering selection of great arias and scenes from masterworks.
This program represents the core of Ramey's repertoire. He is renowned for his versatility and musicianship, as well as his outstanding theatrical abilities, and has established a glowing reputation for the portrayal of devils and villains. In fact, Mephistopheles in Charles Gounod's "Faust" is his most performed role. This program is so popular that Ramey made a live recording of "Date with the Devil" (Naxos Records, 2002) and has taken it on tour around the world.
Opera lovers often say that there's something about the bass that inspires composers to assign the villain's role to this voice. It is, undeniably, a perfect fit for Ramey. His rich, golden voice lends itself to these beguiling roles, not because he can add sinister zest to every note, but because he surprises us with an edginess and magnetism that lend charisma to these diabolical characters.
Take, for instance, Mephistopheles in Hector Berlioz's "Damnation of Faust." In the song "Une Puce Gentile" ("Song of the Flea"), the Devil sings an amusing tale of a flea about to meet its maker. Perhaps not the fire and brimstone you'd first imagine, but wickedly entertaining nonetheless.
For hellfire, we'll turn to Igor Stravinsky's "Rake's Progress." Expect goose bumps -- and perhaps a few shivers -- as the evil tempter Nick Shadow is consumed into the grave in "I Burn, I Freeze." Stravinsky drew his inspiration from the famous series of lithographs, also titled "Rake's Progress," by English illustrator and satirist William Hogarth. For added insight, look for them online or at the library before our concert.
Join us this weekend for a rousing evening of pure entertainment. This promises to be the most wickedly delightful concert of the season!
Tom Gulick is executive director of the Honolulu Symphony. "Crescendo" appears on the Monday before each concert in the symphony season. E-mail
suggestions@honolulusymphony.com.