Ep. 105: Samuel Barber and Vanessa

Ep. 105: Samuel Barber and Vanessa

Author: Opera After Dark November 2, 2019 Duration: 57:35
In this episode, we talk all about the great American composer Samuel Barber and one of his greatest operatic works - that we think should be done more often - VANESSA!

The backstage world of opera and classical music is far stranger and more human than its polished, public facade suggests. Opera After Dark pulls back the velvet curtain, guided by the informal, wine-fueled conversations of hosts Naomi Barrettara, Elspeth Davis, and Kyle Homewood. This isn't a lecture hall; it's the feeling of lingering at a kitchen table after a show, dissecting the scandalous affairs, bitter rivalries, and outright bizarre true stories that fueled the creation of history's most revered music. Each episode feels like an intimate gathering where the "high art" is approached with genuine curiosity, irreverent humor, and a shared sense of discovery. You'll hear about composers' chaotic personal lives, the hidden meanings in iconic scores, and the moments where sheer genius collided with utter madness. The tone of this podcast is conversational and unpretentious, built on the idea that the most profound connections to this music often happen when we're relaxed enough to see the people behind the pedestals. Tune in for stories that are passionate, surprising, and deeply entertaining, all shared with the warmth and ease of friends who love pulling the thread to see what unravels.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Opera After Dark
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 112: Song Cycles - The Origin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:01
In our first episode of the decade, we jump into one of our favorite sub-genres: the song cycle. Can you guess which beloved composer started this trend with the OG song cycle? Here's a hint: his name doesn't start with…
Ep. 111: More Holiday Favorites [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:40
It's that time of year again, and we're happy to be bringing you some of our favorite holiday music from the operatic and classical repertoire. Get ready for those warm and fuzzy feelings, and Happy Holidays!
Ep. 110: Queen Of Spades [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:39
Tchaikovsky's last opera may not be as well known as some of his other works, but the Queen of Spades still packs a punch. Today, the OAD team fills you in on the best aspects of this Russian classic.
Ep. 109: The Tenor High C [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:04
This week Kyle takes the reigns to talk about one of opera's most-loved phenomenons: the tenor high C. It wasn't always part of the opera world, but once it arrived, it changed things forever.
Ep. 108: The Cunning Little Vixen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:49
What a pleasure it is revisit the music of one of our favorite composers: Leos Janacek! If you like beautiful orchestration and cute animal stories (which should include everyone), The Cunning Little Vixen is definitely…
Ep. 107: Akhnaten [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:41
Following our last episode all about Philip Glass, this episode goes deep into the third opera in his portrait trilogy: AKHNATEN! We talk about the music, the inspiration and creative process, the source material, the te…
Ep. 106: Philip Glass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:40
So many good things come out of the 60s, 70s, and 80s.... like minimalist opera! In this episode, we talk about the life and work of Philip Glass, and dig into the style of minimalism! He actually dislikes being labelled…
Ep. 104: Manon vs. Manon Lescaut [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:58
In 1731, Antoine François Prévost introduced the character of Manon to the world through his "smutty" novel L'Histoire du chevalier des Grieux et de Manon Lescaut, and she has seduced audiences time and again ever since!…
Ep. 103: Rosemary Brown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:55
As Halloween approaches, our favorite composers visit us from beyond the grave via composer/medium: Rosemary Brown. That's right, Rosemary Brown became world famous for "transcribing" works of dead composers who she clai…
Ep. 102: Lucia di Lammermoor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:31
Over a year ago, the OAD team was in Scotland for the wedding of our very own Elspeth. Of course, when an opera fan hears Scottish wedding only one thing should come to mind: Lucia di Lammermoor. In this episode, recorde…