CBC Radio 2 Blog tag:www.cbc.ca,2010-04-15:/radio2/programs//356 2010-12-14T17:12:07Z Movable Type Enterprise 4.34-en Joy to the World: An EBU holiday celebration tag:www.cbc.ca,2010:/radio2/programs//356.96113 2010-12-15T08:00:00Z 2010-12-14T17:12:07Z Coming soon! A beloved Christmas radio tradition, the annual "Joy to the World" extravaganza features choral music from around the globe, presented by the European Broadcasting Union and hosted by Peter Togni. Li Robbins It's a beloved annual Christmas tradition, and it's coming up on Sunday, December 19th. That's "Joy to the World," a celebration of (mostly) choral music from around the globe, presented by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
]]> If it's new to you, here's a thumbnail sketch of its history: The first Euroradio Christmas Day celebration took place on December 21st, 1996. Since then, it's been enjoyed by folks in twenty-odd countries, including Canada. In past years there have been something in the neighbourhood of 3 million listeners!

You can help make it 3 million-plus this year by listening on Sunday. And don't forget that it culminates with a performance by Canada's own OSM, conducted by Kent Nagano.

The concert comes from the sumptuous Notre Dame Basilica, and features Susan Graham as mezzo soloist, plus the talented Choeur Des Enfants de Montreal. Radio 2's Choral Concert host Peter Togni presents the day, beginning at 9 a.m. and wrapping at 6pm or thereabouts.

So without further ado, here's the complete schedule. Let us know which ensembles bring you the most joy this year.
  • 9:05 ET - Helsinki - Lahti Brass Quintet, organ, soprano
  • 10:00 ET - Oslo - Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus
  • 11:00 ET - London - BBC Singers, organ
  • 12:00 ET - Prague - Ensemble 18 in 18th-century seasonal music
  • 13:00 ET - Reykjavik - Icelandic Music Old and New
  • 14:00 ET - News (runs 4 min, 30 sec.)
  • 14:05 ET - Frankfurt - Frankfurt Radio Big Band: "Swinging Christmas"
  • 15:00 ET - Graz - Graz University Chamber Choir
  • 16:00 ET - Madrid - RTVE Chorus: Carols from Spain and the New World
  • 17:00 ET - Montreal - Orchestre Symphonique Montreal; Montreal Children's Chorus; Susan Graham; Kent Nagano, conductor

For more Radio 2 holiday programming, see the Radio 2 Holiday Schedule.
]]> Radio 2 Musical Advent Calendar tag:www.cbc.ca,2010:/radio2/programs//356.93880 2010-12-15T08:00:00Z 2010-12-15T12:49:37Z 'Tis the season to feed your soul -- and we've got some fantastic soul food on offer. Feast your eyes and ears on the official CBC Radio 2 musical advent calendar -- it's a smorgasbord of seasonal songs that'll make you shake, rattle and roll. Sarah Liss a.back{ position:absolute; bottom:5px; right:5px; } .reference{ position:absolute; bottom:5px; left:5px; } .reference p a, a.back{ text-transform:uppercase; text-shadow:1px 1px 1px #fff; color:#666; text-decoration:none; font-size:16px; font-weight:bold; } .reference p a:hover, a.back:hover{ color:#fff; } .littleBoxes{ margin:0 auto; position:relative; } .littleBoxes > div{ position:absolute; width:65px; height:65px; text-align:center; border:2px solid white; overflow:hidden; background-color:#f7f7f7; background-position:center center; z-index:999; } .littleBoxes div a{ text-transform:uppercase; font-size: 23px; font-weight:bold; letter-spacing:-1px; display:block; line-height:65px; text-decoration:none; color:#fff; background-color:#124E8D; outline:none; } .littleBoxes div.boxcontent{ text-align:left; font-size:16px; background-color:#f0f0f0; border:1px solid #fff; margin:0; opacity:0.8; display:none; color: #124E8D; padding-left:10px; padding-right:10px; } .bg5{ background-image:url(http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/programs/bg-holidays.jpg); background-repeat:repeat-x; font-weight:bold; color:#124E8D; }

Have yourself a soulful little Christmas, courtesy of Radio 2. Every day until December 25th, we're opening a tiny virtual door to give you a taste of a real -- and fabulous -- holiday R&B or soul song. You may not be able to collect any little sweets, but you will discover a big ol' chestnut-roasted collection of seasonal soul.

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   1     Return to the calendar

Otis Redding, "Merry Christmas Baby"

Why not kick off this calendar with one of the best of the best? Here's the sublime Otis Redding, with the 1968 track that was the B-side to his version of "White Christmas".

DID YOU KNOW?

  • - "Merry Christmas Baby" is also the name of a tune by Beach Boy Brian Wilson, which was a hit in 1964?
  • - That "Santa's Beard," from the same Beach Boys album, was not?
  • - This incarnation of "Merry Christmas Baby" was first recorded by Johnny Moore's Three Blazers in 1947?
  • - That you (like many others) probably don't remember Johnny Moore's Three Blazers?
  • - The protagonist in the song is "feeling mighty fine" because (as the lyrics go) he's "got good music on [his] radio"? (And mistletoe, too.)


   2     Return to the calendar

Marvin Gaye, "I Want To Come Home For Christmas"

Open up the door on Day 2, and you won't find any itsy-bitsy toys. But we do have Marvin Gaye to serenade you with his 1972 slow-burner "I Want To Come Home For Christmas". It's a classic soldier-who-yearns-to-warm-himself-by-the-home-fires-at-the-holidays tale... although somehow Marvin Gaye doesn't sound like a classic soldier. (Unless you're talking about a soldier of soul.)

DID YOU KNOW?

  • - "I Want To Come Home For Christmas" was written in response to the war in Vietnam, and has showed up on a number of obscure compilations -- including the cheerily-named album Christmas In Vietnam?
  • - That the relationship between this tune and Gaye's hit protest song "What's Going On" is kind of like the difference between leaving milk and cookies out for Santa and leaving the jolly old elf a big slug of bourbon... which is to say "I Want To Come Home For Christmas" mentions mistletoe, but you won't hear direct references to anti-war protest.
  • - That Gaye and co-writer Forest Hairston wrote the song with the intention of putting it out it in time for Christmas 1972, but at the last minute, Motown decided not to release it... until 1990?


   3     Return to the calendar

Little Johnny Taylor, "Please Come Home For Christmas"

If you celebrate the holiday, you probably know that not every Christmas is something to write ho-ho-home about. Some are actually blue, blue, blue. For example, there's the one Little Johnny Taylor describes in "Please Come Home For Christmas". But here's some good news coming down the chimney: There's nothin' like the blues to chase the blues away!

DID YOU KNOW?

  • - Little Johnny started out in gospel with the Mighty Clouds of Joy, but then, as they say, "went secular"? And despite his moving, deep soul/blues sound, he never really "made it".
  • - That this Johnny Taylor is not the same guy as the Sam Cooke protégé known as Johnnie Taylor?
  • - That the other Johnnie Taylor made it even more confusing when he recorded Little Johnny's biggest hit, "Part Time Love"?
  • - That even if she doesn't come home for Christmas, she might make it back for New Year's?


   4     Return to the calendar

The Jackson 5, "Up On The Housetop"

Way back in 1970, the late Michael Jackson was still a boy -- though it's unlikely he really believed reindeer hooves would beat a "click-click-click" tattoo on the roof of his house. Still, that didn't stop him from doing a bit of proto-rapping with Dasher, Dancer and the crew. Yes, today's Advent selection can't help but remind us that this is only our second Christmas without MJ. But at least we have a slightly frenzied bit of seasonal Jackson 5 memorabilia to keep us warm at this time of the year, in the form of "Up On The Housetop".

DID YOU KNOW?

  • - The Jackson 5 Christmas Album is the only Christmas album that the group ever released?
  • - That the album also includes their hit version of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and the slightly creepy novelty favourite "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"?
  • - That it's impossible to make it through this holly jolly season without hearing "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" one too many times, so we won't be playing it?
  • - That reindeer actually suffer from vertigo?


   5     Return to the calendar

The Temptations, "Let It Snow"

People fall into two camps when it comes to Christmas. In one corner, you've got the staunch traditionalists who strongly believe the arrival of Saint Nick is just not right unless you're walkin' in a winter wonderland. And then there are the easy-breezy folks who are just as happy to celebrate the jolly old elf's arrival in balmier climes. If you ask us, it's only right to let it snow... Why not, when it's sung by one of the Temptations?

DID YOU KNOW?

  • - "Let It Snow" was written in July 1945 in Hollywood, Calif., on what was apparently one of the hottest days on record?
  • - It's likely the only time the words "frightful" and "delightful" have been used so cunningly in a song? ("The weather outside may be frightful, but the fire is so delightful.")
  • - The song is from the Temptations' 1970 recording Christmas Card, on which each Temptation took lead vocals on a Christmas song?
  • - That snow is an essential part of what it is to be Canadian? (So chins up, bucko!)


   6     Return to the calendar

The Staple Singers, "Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas?"

This tune is possibly the least "Christmassy" Christmas song ever -- albeit in a fabulous, groove-driven way that'll melt the heart of the scroogiest Scrooge.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • - That the Staple Singers made it on to the Top 40 charts eight times between 1971 and 1975, and that "Who Took The Merry Out Of Christmas" accounted for one of those times, since it was a no. 2 single?
  • - That people all over the world forget to be merry because they're too busy fighting wars or buying toys? (In other words, we took the merry out of Christmas. So let's put it back.)


   7     Return to the calendar

Jacksoul, "Can't Wait Till Christmas"

You've probably noticed that there's not a lot of Christmas music in the world. [Beat.] Okay, now that you've picked yourself up off the floor and have wiped some of those laughter-induced tears from your eyes, see if you don't at least agree with this: there's not a lot of good, contemporary Christmas music in the world. Fortunately for us all, there are some modern-day gems out there. And this Canadian-made beauty by the late Haydain Neale, known as Jacksoul, is one of them. Haydain passed away last December, and when you hear "Can't Wait Till Christmas", it seems hard to believe he's not still here, singing in that understated, soulful voice that could send shivers down your spine.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • - That we're so lucky to have Haydain Neale's music in the world -- particularly this song, at this time of the year? (We bet you did know that.)


   8     Return to the calendar

Stevie Wonder, "What Christmas Means To Me"

What does Christmas mean to you? To Stevie Wonder, it means sleigh bells... and a horn section. And "What Christmas Means To Me" means a young Stevie -- when you hear it, you'll think Wow, he sounds like a kid! That's cuz he was only about 17 when he recorded the song.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • - That Stevie sang the song on his 1967 Christmas album, Someday At Christmas?
  • - That it's been adopted (and interpreted) by a whole bunch of sweet young poppy things, like Jessica Simpson and the Olsen twins?
  • - That it has one of the loveliest lines of any Christmas song? "Let a newborn love enfold you." Interpret it as you will -- secular, religious, or otherwise.


   9     Return to the calendar

Donny Hathaway, "This Christmas"

Someone once said, "How can you not love this song?" Actually, more than just someone -- lots of us share that sentiment. And "This Christmas," sung (and co-composed!) by Donny Hathaway, is also Official Radio 2 Recommended Tree Trimming Music. You can't go wrong!

DID YOU KNOW?

  • - That this song has been covered by possibly the most diverse range of artists imaginable (at least, when it comes to Christmassy covers) -- Diana Ross, Chicago, Harry Connick, Jr., Gloria Estefan and NSYNC, to name a few?
  • - That it covers all the essentials: fireside, caroling, presents, cards, trees and the trimming thereof... and, of course, yuletide romance?
  • - That there really is a time and place for syrupy strings, and this is it?


   10     Return to the calendar

Aretha Franklin, "Winter Wonderland"

It's possibly the most evocative Christmas song ever, what with all that conspiring in front of the fire and building snowmen to look like members of the clergy... Ah yes, it's "Winter Wonderland," and no one roasts this chestnut quite like Aretha Franklin. Just listen to the melodic twist she puts on the opening "Sleigh bells ring..." Should we ask ourselves What Would Bing Crosby Think (WWBCT)? Er... perhaps it's best not to go down that path.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • - One Dick Smith of Honesdale, Pennsylvania, was inspired to write the song after a snowfall in Honesdale... and he penned the lyrics while in a sanatorium?
  • - That present-day Honesdalians have many other things to boast about -- such as the Honesdale Hornets football team, which is currently placed 11th in the state?
  • - That everyone and their dog and their dog's cousin has covered the song, from Ringo Starr to Garth Brooks to Kiri Te Kanawa?
  • - That just three years ago the performing rights organization ASCAP declared it the most-played ASCAP-member-written holiday song of the preceding five years?
  • - That ASCAP said the Eurythmics' version was the most frequently played? (Again, best not to go there, but WWBCT?)


   11     Return to the calendar

Chuck Berry, "Run, Rudolph, Run"

Not to be confused with the movie Run Lola Run, this song is truly a rock 'n' roll Christmas gem. And we have the classic, original recording of the song, by none other than Charles Edward Anderson "Chuck" Berry. He sure knew how to get the red-nosed one outta the North Pole into parts south, where everyone was dreaming of an electric guitar for Christmas.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • - Berry recorded the song in 1958 for the legendary Chess Records, and it went to #69 in the Billboard Hot 100?
  • - That it's also known as "Run, Run Rudolph"? (But we think "Run, Rudolph, Run" sounds better?)
  • - That it's still a perennial live favourite? (Why, just the other day Brad Paisley and Sheryl Crow performed it on a televised holiday special, The CMA Country Christmas.)?
  • - That it's also still a perennial recorded favourite? (Why, just the other year it turned up on an album called We Wish You a Metal Xmas and a Headbanging New Year.)
  • - That it's likely the only time a reindeer has been considered "the mastermind?" (Typically that honorific is accorded to one S. Claus.)


   12     Return to the calendar

Carla Thomas, "Gee Whiz It's Christmas"

Gee whiz, this is a sweet little Christmas song, sung by a very girlish -- or is that coquettish? -- Carla Thomas. To this day, it's a fun soul song for schoolkids to sing, as you can discover with minimal Googling. Carla, who's been referred to as "the Queen of the Memphis Sound," is probably tickled by that.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • - Carla was big on the "gee whiz" factor? (This 1963 Christmas hit was a follow-up to "Gee Whiz (Look At His Eyes)," a hit from two years previous.)
  • - That the expression "gee whiz" could be construed as seasonal, since some believe it is a shortened (okay, slang) form of the word "Jesus"? (We did say "construed.")
  • - That Carla Thomas started off in a group called The Teen Town Singers, before she was even a teen? (That might account for the "gee whiz" factor.)
  • - That along with James Brown and Solomon Burke, she was awarded the Pioneer Award from the Rhythm & Blues Foundation in 1993?
  • - That we're pretty sure the wonderful singer didn't say "gee whiz" when she got that news?


   13     Return to the calendar

Solomon Burke, "Presents for Christmas"

Today we're offering up a soulful treat that's possibly less well known than some of the other treasures behind the virtual teensy windows on the calendar. It's "Presents for Christmas," recorded by the late and truly great Solomon Burke back in 1966. Christmas presents had special significance in his life, since legend has it his first guitar was given to him by his grandmother at Thanksgiving one year... as an early Christmas present.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • - That very early in his career Solomon Burke actually wrote a song called "Christmas Presents," but this song is not it?
  • - That in "Presents For Christmas," it's not just boys and girls who can expect presents -- Burke also graciously extends this hope to disc jockeys, policeman, and pretty girls?
  • - That Solomon Burke, never a slender man, boasts he's "fat enough to be the world's biggest Santa Claus"?
  • - That the idea of Solomon Burke as Santa is just terrific?


   14     Return to the calendar

Jully Black, "A Time For Christmas"

Canada's own Jully Black makes Christmas somehow... well, sexy, with "A Time for Christmas." It's a contemporary Christmas song from a CBC Sounds of the Season recording. Jully also turns her soulful voice to an old favourite, "The Christmas Song," on that very album. And yes, you can get it from the CBC Shop Online.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • - That Jully 's Christmas shopping approach (as of last year) sounds less stressful than all those harbingers of last-minute-shopping-doom might have you believe? From her blog: "Three days before Christmas and I haven't bought one gift yet. I'm clutch though and actually prefer less time to think, as I find the shopping WAY more fun that way."
  • - That Jully, who regularly performs at Christmastime benefits, thinks long and hard about the whole gift-giving thing? A few Christmases ago she helped a single mom with 8 kids have a great Christmas, through the Jane and Finch Boys and Girls Club.
  • - That you could call what Jully did "having a Black Christmas?" A Jully Black Christmas, that is? (She does.)


   15     Return to the calendar

James Brown, "Soulful Christmas"

This song's the rum in the eggnog: thanks to none other than the Godfather of Soul, Christmas gets outrageously funky. So, if you need some groovin' at Christmas time, remember: Mr. James Brown has a "heart full of love for the whole wide world." Not only that, he claims to have everything he needs around his "soulful Christmas tree," and so do we, after getting down with the Brown.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • - The song ends up being kind of a sales pitch, in which Brown encourages fans to "come and see my show"? But it's still great anyway.
  • - That it's from a Christmas album called James Brown's Funky Christmas, aptly described by one scribe as "guaranteed to give Santa Claus a soul transfusion -- and put a little extra kick into that mistletoe kiss."
  • -That he didn't pull any punches in celebrating the season, with song titles like "Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto"?
  • - That the week before JB shuffled off this mortal coil, he gave Christmas presents to an orphanage in Atlanta?
  • - That -- and this is a little spooky in light of the topic -- Brown himself died on Christmas day, back in 2006? That's something that made us all feel super bad.


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]]> Monday, December 6 tag:www.cbc.ca,2010:/radio2/programs//356.96274 2010-12-14T17:44:47Z 2010-12-14T17:46:20Z Andy Sheppard Duration: 1:59:50

View the playlist for this show here.

]]> Tuesday, December 7 tag:www.cbc.ca,2010:/radio2/programs//356.96272 2010-12-14T17:44:43Z 2010-12-14T17:45:33Z

Andy Sheppard Duration: 1:59:50

View the playlist for this show here.

]]> Wednesday, December 8 tag:www.cbc.ca,2010:/radio2/programs//356.96271 2010-12-14T17:43:00Z 2010-12-14T17:43:45Z

Andy Sheppard Duration: 1:59:50

View the playlist for this show here.

]]> Thursday, December 9 tag:www.cbc.ca,2010:/radio2/programs//356.96270 2010-12-14T17:41:15Z 2010-12-14T17:41:55Z

Andy Sheppard Duration: 1:59:50

View the playlist for this show here.

]]> Friday, December 10 tag:www.cbc.ca,2010:/radio2/programs//356.96268 2010-12-14T17:37:52Z 2010-12-14T17:52:41Z

Andy Sheppard Duration: 1:59:50

View the playlist for this show here.

]]> Saturday, December 11 tag:www.cbc.ca,2010:/radio2/programs//356.96267 2010-12-14T17:34:39Z 2010-12-14T17:37:46Z

Andy Sheppard Duration: 1:59:50

View the playlist for this show here.

]]> Don Carlo, Live from The Met Opera tag:www.cbc.ca,2010:/radio2/programs//356.96148 2010-12-14T12:44:30Z 2010-12-14T18:34:24Z

The 80th year of live opera broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera kicks off with a new production of Verdi's Don Carlo SATO & In Concert Canadian conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin is on the podium as the Toll Brothers-Metropolitan Opera International Radio Network returns to the airwaves. The 2010-2011 season marks the 80th year of live opera broadcasts from the Met, and it kicks off with a new production of Verdi's Don Carlo, directed by Tony winner Nicholas Hytner, beginning at 12:30 pm EST on December 18th. Host Margaret Juntwait returns for her seventh season, joined once again in the broadcast booth by commentator Ira Siff.

"I think Don Carlo is the quintessential Verdi opera," says director Nicholas Hytner (The History Boys, The Madness of King George), who makes his Met debut with this new production, which was greeted with popular success when it opened in London. "Right through this opera there is, on the one hand, an implacable expression of impending doom and, on the other hand, a succession of the most gloriously open-throated arias, the most fantastically determined music." South Korean tenor Yonghoon Lee, who made a triumphant Met debut last month in the title role of Verdi's opera, will make his Met broadcast debut as the conflicted Don Carlo. Marina Poplavskaya, praised by critics for her "luminous singing, beautiful pianissimo high notes and unforced power" (The New York Times), will sing Elisabeth de Valois, torn between duty to her husband and love for his son. Ferruccio Furlanetto will bring "aching expressivity and stentorian sound" (Times) to his acclaimed portrait of Philip II, the tormented and tormenting monarch of Spain. Russian mezzo-soprano Anna Smirnova, also making her network broadcast debut, is the scheming Princess Eboli; Simon Keenlyside is the revolutionary Rodrigo, Marquis of Posa; and Eric Halfvarson is the formidable Grand Inquisitor, the opera's ultimate authority figure. "Not one of these characters is prepared to accept his or her own tragic destiny," Hytner says of this epic tragedy in which romantic desire shapes the course of nations. Don Carlo is co-production of the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet.

The first intermission will feature an interview with Met General Manager Peter Gelb about the 2010-2011 broadcast season,  plus live backstage interviews with some of the stars of Don Carlo. The second intermission will see the return of the  popular Toll Brothers-Metropolitan Opera Quiz, hosted by bass-baritone Eric Owens.

Following the opera, at approximately 5:10 EST, Saturday Afternoon at the Opera host Bill Richardson will have more on all things operatic, including a new Naxos disc of Lullabies and Carols from soprano Monica Whicher and harpist Judy Loman, plus more seasonal favourites from of the world of opera.

Saturday Afternoon at the Opera, with host Bill Richardson
Saturday, December 18, 2010 12:30 - 6:00 p.m. (1:30 - 7:00 AT, 2:00 - 7:30 NT) on CBC Radio 2 (pre-empting Deep Roots, with Tom Power)

More on the opera:
]]>
Don Carlo
Opera in Five Acts; revised version, Four Acts

Music by Giuseppe Verdi
Text in Italian by Achille de Lauzières and Angelo Zanardini, with later revisions by the composer and Antonio Ghislanzoni

World Premiere: Paris Opera (Salle Le Peletier), March 11, 1867 (French Version)
U.S. Premiere: New York, Academy of Music, April 12, 1877 (five-act version, in Italian)
Metropolitan Opera Premiere: December 23, 1920 (four-act version, in Italian)

Don Carlo is a co-production of the Metropolitan Opera, Royal Opera House Covent Garden and the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet

Cast & Characters

The Cast

Elisabeth de Valois: Marina Poplavskaya
Princess Eboli: Anna Smirnova
Don Carlo: Yonghoon Lee
Rodrigo: Simon Keenlyside
Philip II: Ferruccio Furlanetto
Grand Inquisitor: Eric Halfvarson
<
Metropolitan Opera Chorus
Chorusmaster: Donald Nally
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Conductor: Yannick Nézet-Séguin

The Characters
Elisabetta di Valois (soprano) - Daughter of the French king. He arranges her marriage first to Don Carlo and then to King Filippo II, in hopes that an alliance with the Spanish throne will end the war between their countries.

Princess Eboli (mezzo-soprano) - One of the ladies at the Spanish court. She is infatuated with Don Carlo.

Don Carlo (tenor) - Son of the Spanish king Filippo II and heir to the throne. He falls in love with his fiancée, Elisabetta of France, and is heartbroken when she is betrothed to his father. He and his best friend, Rodrigo, risk charges of treason to support the cause of Flemish independence.

Rodrigo, Marquis of Posa (baritone) - Like his best friend Don Carlo, Rodrigo supports the cause of Flemish independence. Filippo also enlists him to spy on Elisabetta and Carlo.

Filippo II (bass) - King of Spain. He is married to the French princess Elisabetta, but he suspects her of having an affair with his son.

Synopsis
ACT I. In the royal forest of Fontainebleau, woodcutters and their families gather around a bonfire, lamenting the winter and the war with Spain that have reduced them to poverty and misery. A hunting party from the palace arrives, including Princess Elisabeth of Valois, daughter of the King of France. She asks the people to have courage; she promises that a peace treaty is being signed and that conditions will improve. She leaves with the hunting party.

Don Carlo, the Crown Prince of Spain, emerges from the forest into the now empty clearing. He has caught a glimpse of Elisabeth, his betrothed, and loves her on sight ("Io la vidi"). Elisabeth and her page Tebaldo appear, lost and separated from the other hunters. Don Carlo salutes her and offers his protection. She sends Tebaldo away. Revealing his love, Don Carlo gives her a miniature portrait of himself, and she realizes that the stranger is her promised groom. They briefly rejoice over their love, which will bring peace to Europe. A cannon shot is heard, signaling the signing of the treaty. Tebaldo returns with a party of courtiers, saluting Elisabeth as Queen of Spain, bride of King Philip II. Elisabeth corrects Tebaldo, saying that she is to marry the Crown Prince, not the King. But the page insists that the treaty specifies otherwise, pending Elisabeth's acceptance of the offer. Urged by the starving people to end their suffering, Elisabeth reluctantly accepts, and she and Don Carlo mourn their doomed love while the people rejoice over the end of the war.

ACT II
Scene 1. At the monastery of St. Just in Spain, Don Carlo prays at the tomb of the Emperor Charles V, his grandfather and King Philip's father. From the shadows of the cloister, a mysterious monk warns of the vanities of the world. Don Carlo thinks the voice is that of the Emperor, and indeed some say the Emperor's ghost wanders this place. Don Carlo meets his friend Rodrigo, Marquis of Posa, newly returned from Flanders, where the people suffer under Spanish domination. When Don Carlo admits he is still in love with Elisabeth, Rodrigo urges him to fight for the Flemish cause ("Dio, che nell'alma infondere amor"). The two men pledge friendship to the death as King Philip and Queen Elisabeth pass to pray at the Emperor's tomb.

Scene 2. In a neighboring garden, Princess Eboli, the Countess of Aremberg, and the other ladies of the court entertain themselves. Eboli sings a Moorish song accompanied by Tebaldo ("Nei giardin"). The queen returns from the monastery and Rodrigo enters to give her a secret letter from Don Carlo, asking for a meeting. Elisabeth agrees to receive him, and Don Carlo is shown in as the ladies and Rodrigo withdraw. Don Carlo asks the queen to obtain Philip's permission for him to go to Flanders and then suddenly declares his continuing love ("Perduto ben"). Elisabeth breaks free of Don Carlo's embrace, and he runs away. The King enters the garden with his suite and, finding the queen unattended, banishes the Countess of Aremberg, who should have been present. Elisabeth consoles the banished countess ("Non pianger, mia compagna"), and she and the ladies leave.

The king orders Rodrigo to remain when the others depart, and Rodrigo bravely denounces the situation of Spanish oppression in Flanders ("O signor, di Fiandra arrivo"). Philip, impressed by Rodrigo's idealism, chooses him as a royal advisor, and confides that he needs someone to watch over Don Carlo and Elisabeth, whom he suspects of betrayal. Rodrigo accepts the royal confidence, and Philip warns him to beware the Grand Inquisitor.

DonCarlo_3.jpg
INTERMISSION 1

ACT III
Scene 1. Eboli, who mistakenly believes that Don Carlo loves her, has written a letter to him asking him to meet her secretly. Thinking the note is from the queen, Don Carlo awaits her arrival in the palace gardens. When Eboli enters,  heavily veiled, Don Carlo declares his love, but when she unveils, both realize their mistake. Eboli accuses Don Carlo of loving the queen. Rodrigo comes upon them, and, grasping the situation, tries to placate Eboli ("Al mio furor sfuggite"). She runs from the garden swearing to expose Don Carlo and Elisabeth ("Trema per te"). To protect the prince, Rodrigo takes  his incriminating papers.

Scene 2. In the plaza before the Cathedral of Our Lady of Atocha in Madrid, an immense crowd waits for King Philip and an auto-da-fé, a burning of heretics. Philip emerges from the cathedral with the queen and is greeted by six Flemish deputies, led by Don Carlo. They are joined by the court and the people in begging for the king's mercy for the rebellious province, but friars insist on severe punishment ("Sire, no, l'ora estrema"). Don Carlo draws his sword on his father, who orders him disarmed. Don Carlo surrenders his sword to Rodrigo and is arrested for treason while Rodrigo is made a duke on the spot. A group of heretics is led to the stake, and a celestial voice welcomes their souls into heaven.

INTERMISSION 2

ACT IV
Scene 1. Philip spends a sleepless night in his study, reflecting on affairs of state and on his inability to make his wife love him ("Ella giammai m'amò"). He consults with the Grand Inquisitor, who upbraids the king for allowing heretical ideas to creep into Spain ("Nell'ispano suol mai l'eresia"). The Inquisitor consents to the death sentence for Don Carlo and insists Rodrigo be handed over to the Inquisition as well. As the ancient priest leaves, Philip wonders if the throne must always yield before the altar.

Elisabeth bursts in, crying that her jewel box has been stolen. Philip hands it to her and demands she open it. When she hesitates, he breaks it open and finds the portrait of Don Carlo. He accuses her of adultery. The queen faints, and Philip calls for aid. Eboli and Rodrigo rush in, Rodrigo expressing amazement that this king who rules half the world cannot govern his own emotions. Rodrigo realizes that it is time to sacrifice himself for Don Carlo and the good of the nation ("Ah! si maledetto"). After the men have left, Eboli confesses that it was she who stole Elisabeth's jewel case, out of jealousy over Don Carlo, and gave it to the King. She then admits that she has been the King's mistress. Elisabeth banishes Eboli from Spain. The princess laments her fatal beauty and swears to spend her final day in Spain trying to save Don Carlo ("O don fatale").

Scene 2. In Don Carlo's prison, Rodrigo says goodbye to his friend ("Per me giunto") and tells him that Elisabeth will meet him one last time at St. Just. When a shot rings out, Rodrigo falls, mortally wounded. As he dies he urges Don Carlo to save Flanders and be a new light for Spain ("Io morrò"). Philip enters and returns Don Carlo's sword, but Don Carlo accuses him of Rodrigo's murder. The citizens storm the prison demanding Don Carlo's release, and the disguised Eboli urges him to flee. The Grand Inquisitor appears and commands the rebellious crowd to kneel in obedience before Philip.

ACT V. At the monastery of St. Just, Elisabeth waits for Don Carlo and prays at the Emperor's tomb ("Tu che le vanità"). Don Carlo enters and she inspires him to continue Rodrigo's quest for freedom in Flanders. They vow that their love will be rewarded in heaven, but Philip interrupts them, accompanied by agents of the Inquisition. Philip and the Inquisitor think they hear the voice of the dead Emperor, and the mysterious monk opens a gate and draws Don Carlo into the protective shadows of the cloister.
]]> Jane Bunnett and Cuban masters of piano tag:www.cbc.ca,2010:/radio2/programs//356.96163 2010-12-14T11:00:00Z 2010-12-14T20:03:55Z Tonight, Canadian sax giant Jane Bunnett teams up with three of the heaviest pianists in the last century of Cuban music. Andrew Craig www.andrewcraig.me Some truly outstanding Cuban jazz on the show tonight. Canadian saxophone giant Jane Bunnett continues her long-standing relationship with the music and musicians of Cuba.

This time out, she brings together three of the heaviest pianists of the last century of Cuban music: Hilario Duran, Elio Villafranca, and 83 year old Guillermo Rubalcaba (pianist with Buena Vista Social Club).
]]> These men represent three generations of music. Rubalcaba, in particular, is the patriarch of a musical clan that includes jazz piano virtuoso Gonzalo. But trust that, even at 83, the elder Rubalcaba still runs circles around most pianists.

And I have to stress again that this concert came together largely due to the efforts of Jane and her husband, trumpeter Larry Cramer. Jane works tirelessly to introduce the richness of Cuban music to the world. There's a reason why Jane Bunnett sports an Order of Canada pin on her lapel. That's given not only in recognition of her extraordinary talents, but also her work as an ambassador -- both to Canada and to Cuba.

Check out this wonderful concert here. It's 30 fingers, and a whole lot of love on stage!

Peace,
A.C>
]]> Signal Top 10 of '10 tag:www.cbc.ca,2010:/radio2/programs//356.94253 2010-12-14T08:00:00Z 2010-12-14T15:37:37Z It's that time of year again. Our favourite CD's of 2010. If you were wondering what to buy like-minded musical friends and family, you'll find something here. If someone asks you what you want - you might suggest one... Andy Sheppard
It's that time of year again. Our favourite CD's of 2010. If you were wondering what to buy like-minded musical friends and family, you'll find something here. If someone asks you what you want - you might suggest one of these CD's. We've chosen 5 international selections and 5 Canadian. You'll hear all of these artists on our 'best of 2010 show' on New Year's Eve.

You can get in on the show too. Tell us your favourite CD of the year that would work on The Signal, we'll have a listen and program some of your suggestions.

Here's the list:

International Artists:

Jonsi - Go.
Victoire - Cathedral City
The Bad Plus - Never Stop
Laurie Anderson - Homeland
Efterklang - Magic Chairs

Canadian Artists:

Brasstronaut - Mt. Chimaera
Drumheller - Glint
Andy McNeill - Maple Mountain Sunburst Triolian Orchestra
Andrew Downing - Silents
Owen Pallett - Heartland

]]> Britten's the Bomb! tag:www.cbc.ca,2010:/radio2/programs//356.96152 2010-12-13T23:36:16Z 2010-12-14T00:22:07Z SATO & In Concert CartoonBomb.jpgIt's a fact, young teenage boys go through a stage where they enjoy blowing things up.  Rockets, bombs, chemical stews...mucking about with a bunsen burner in the garage, these are the rights of passage for any teenage boy.  Witness the insanity that erupts each Halloween in Vancouver and teenage boys are front, row, centre.

What does this have to do with opera you might ask?  Well, as it turns
The British conductor Steuart Bedford grew up in a family of three boys, so imagine the chaos that ensues, and pity the mother.  Maestro Bedford was recently in Canada to conduct Benjamin Britten's "Death in Venice." Benjamin Britten was a friend of the family, and he liked to be part of the hijinx at the Bedford family.  He, along with his musical and life partner Peter Pears, played a large part in the shenanigans.



Who would have thought it, the explosive side of Benjamin Britten. When you think of Britten, one can't help but also think of his great musical and life partner Peter Pears. 

In his later years, Britten suffered a stroke and could no longer play the piano. But wishing to still write songs for Pears he started composing tunes for voice and harp, since they had a friend who played harp.
 
Now there is a new CD out featuring these late works for voice and harp.
The tenor is Lawrence Wiliford, the harpist, Jennifer Swartz.

In this clip, Wiliford discusses the CD with host Bill Richardson. 

]]> Nutcrackers Everywhere tag:www.cbc.ca,2010:/radio2/programs//356.95743 2010-12-13T20:00:00Z 2010-12-13T20:50:20Z The Nutcracker: overexposed and overdone, or an important holiday-season ritual? And more importantly, is it possible to truly reinvent that old warhorse of a production? SATO & In Concert Last year, Washington Post dance critic Sarah Kaufman sparked controversy when she said the Nutcracker should be retired, put to bed, sent to pasture! She and Karen Kain appeared on Q with Jian Ghomeshi to talk about the production and debate its merits.
]]> Kaufman called it overexposed, entrenched and said it's "time to call it out."  But Karen Kain said 48% of its budget is based on Nutcracker sales. That's a pretty frightening figure!

And here in Canada (as in the US) the production is everywhere. From the east coast to the west coast and into the north, Nutcrackers abound -- there's even a website devoted to them.

This past week, we talked about Handel's Messiah (another of the seasonal classics) and the bold re-imagining of the work by director Claus Guth. When it comes to Nutcrackers there are also some departures for sure. This is from the Mark Morris production of "The Hard Nut."



What do you think? Is the Nutcracker overexposed? Are there new ways to produce it? What are your favourite memories of the Nutcracker? Is there a production in Canada that's your favourite. Our friends at Tempo have put on a little Nutcracker contest, so be sure to check that out. And don't forget about our "Christmas Carols Wronged" contest we did this past week. We'll take answers until Thursday or so.

- Matthew McFarlane

]]> A Celluloid Christmas tag:www.cbc.ca,2010:/radio2/programs//356.95925 2010-12-13T18:01:13Z 2010-12-13T21:32:25Z What are your annual go-to Christmas films? Katie Malloch ]]> We've all got a film or two (or eight) which are required viewing at Christmastime. I hate to be prosaic and predictable, but the Alistair Sim version of A Christmas Carol is at the top of my list. Here's the best part:



But there are other Christmas- themed films that get my vote, too: The Apartment, which has the classic Madison Avenue office party scene, and The Lion In Winter, which proves that domestic tension around the holiday season is NOT a recent phenomenon!

Got a favourite...or several? Animation specials, Meet Me In St. Louis, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe... whatever puts a glow in your eyes, share it with the Tonic blog-crew!

--Katie
]]> R2 listener review: Leonard Cohen, live in Vancouver tag:www.cbc.ca,2010:/radio2/programs//356.95926 2010-12-13T17:00:00Z 2010-12-13T18:30:03Z

One lucky Radio 2 listener won tickets to see Leonard Cohen perform live in Vancouver for the final Canadian concert of his recent tour. Here's what she had to say about the experience. Sarah Liss LeonardPiano_blog.jpgYou guys may recall that about a month ago, we held a contest to send one Radio 2 listener to see the final Canadian concert of Leonard Cohen's recent tour.

We received over 14,000 entries, and from that wide pool, we drew a winning name: the very lucky Stefanie Borowski . A Winnipeg-based mother of twin toddlers, Stefanie was over the moon when she learned she'd have an opportunity for a whirlwind getaway with her husband Mark. The couple attended Cohen's concert at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver on December 2. Here's what she had to say about the experience:

]]> I'm still in a state of disbelief after an incredible two-day visit to Vancouver, BC, to see the sublime Leonard Cohen live on December 2. This would never have happened without CBC Radio 2's contest to win front row tickets to see this master poet, novelist and legend of song. Thank you CBC!

It happened fast. I entered the "Fill in the Missing Lyric" contest and two weeks later received the call congratulating me on winning airfare, hotel accommodations and tickets to see The Man, Leonard Cohen. I had a lovely chat with the affable Tom Power about my impending journey. CBC was incredibly efficient at organizing the trip for my husband Mark and myself.

LeonardMic_blog.jpgTwo weeks later, we were on our way from Winnipeg to Vancouver via Air Canada. A special thanks to AEG Live and Fuzed Travel for booking a hotel that is about 30 steps from a Sky Train stop and a fifteen-minute walk to Rogers Arena. As we checked into the ultra hip OPUS hotel in Yaletown, the concierge offered us glasses of Champagne. A great start to a fabulous evening!

Cohen sang for just over three hours and crooned many of his classics including three of my favourites: "Dance Me to the End of Love" (the opening song), "I'm Your Man," and of course, "Suzanne," as well as a few stellar new songs including the soon-to-be-recorded "The Darkness."

The musicians were cohesive and incredibly talented. Sharon Robinson, co-writer of several of his songs and one of Cohen's trio of angels, delivered a rich solo performance.

A lovely lady from Anchorage, Alaska, seated to our left, summed up the evening with a contented sigh and the phrase, "Now, I can die happy."

-- Stefanie Borowski

All images courtesy of Mark Borowski.

]]>