Donald Satz wrote:

>Our opposite opinions might have something to do with the fact that I feel
>a general affinity for piano concertos, whereas with opera, particularly
>comical ones, very good music is needed to keep my attention (close to the
>level of Haydn or Mozart).  And Paisiello doesn't come close.  But, if
>Joel ever shows up in Albuquerque, I'll attend to see him conduct even
>Paisiello's Barber.  It's called List loyalty.

Thanks for the offer and the profession of loyalty.  I'd love to try to
convert you with a live performance.

Actually, I'm fanatic about the Mozart piano concerti--and my contention,
if only I could quantify it, would be that Paisiello's instrumental music
falls far shorter of Mozart's than his operas do...and moreover that
production, plot and characterization will keep lesser operas afloat both
in repertoire and in the actual performance to a degree we are unlikely
to find in the instrumental realm.

Nonetheless, it's nearly impossible to think ourselves back to the
perceptions of a distant era, whether in regard to musical style or in
regard to performance practice!

Glad you like Haydn operas--they are an incredible treasure chest.

Happy holidays--

Joel Lazar