In the second half of today's show, we have Papageno the birdman (pictured here from a production of The Magic Flute), singing about how he's a bird catcher, and would like to catch himself a bird-wife. Papageno is one of Mozart's most endearing and enduring operatic characters. Follow this link for a charming video of Papageno in duet with his beloved Papagena. The show starts with a stirring overture by Franz von Suppe and includes a trio for baryton (like a bass fiddle on steroids!), cello, and viola. Then, a gorgeous aria from Verdi's Rigoletto. If this isn't enough, Dr. Paul presents MORE: A baroque trumpet concerto, a piano trio by Mozart, a violin and guitar duet by Paganini, an oboe concerto by Albinoni, and ending with some lovely piano solos written by George Gershwin, and played by the S.F. Symphony's own Michael Tilson Thomas. Enough? I should hope so!
Post new comment