L’Etoile (New York City Opera, Lincoln Center, Apr. 1 and 3). Constant Lambert called Emmanuel Chabrier “the first important composer since Mozart to show that seriousness is not the same as solemnity, that profundity is not dependent upon length, that wit is not always the same as buffoonery, and that frivolity and beauty are not necessarily enemies.” Curious? Then check out Mark Lamos’ 2002 staging of Chabrier’s near-surreal, divinely silly operetta, newly revived by the New York City Opera. It’s the aesthetic equivalent of a chilled split of Dom Perignon (TT).
Terry Teachout on the arts in New York City
