Rave reviews have been pouring in from media outlets praising James Gaffigan’s conducting of Tristan und Isolde at the Santa Fe Opera.
The Wall Street Journal: “The orchestra, under the impassioned leadership of James Gaffigan, rose handsomely to the occasion.”
Musical America: “James Gaffigan led a dramatic and fast-moving performance in an exciting, visceral approach. Gaffigan is one of the most promising conductors of his generation.”
Santa Fe Opera Review: ““The orchestra, under the impassioned leadership of James Gaffigan, rose handsomely to the occasion.”
Sharps and Flat Irons: “James Gaffigan led the Santa Fe orchestra with a welcome sense of direction. The music never lagged, and the orchestral sound was as exciting as Wagner requires.”
The Classical Review: “Gaffigan’s fluid gestures ensured admirable ensemble cohesion from all musicians, with fine details emerging from the texture as he balanced the powerful orchestra, a main character in any Wagner opera, with his singers.”
Musical America: “James Gaffigan led a dramatic and fast-moving performance in an exciting, visceral approach. Gaffigan is one of the most promising conductors of his generation.”
Broadway World: “Recognized worldwide for his natural ease and extraordinary collaborative spirit, American conductor James Gaffigan has attracted international attention for his equitable prowess as both a conductor of symphony orchestras and opera. With numerous appointments and guest engagements throughout Europe and North America, Gaffigan is known for empowering and nurturing artists and ensembles to cultivate the highest art possible.”
The New York Times: “James Gaffigan, typically lively on the podium for what is his first run of a full Wagner opera, sparked up a feisty intensity that supplied the energy the staging tended to resist, pushing the drama hard but not harshly. His was a take on the score both muscular and swift, blessedly so for a show that ended well after midnight.”
Santa Fe New Mexican: “James Gaffigan, in Santa Fe to conduct Tristan und Isolde at the Santa Fe Opera, led a string quartet, flute, clarinet, bassoon, and piano in what sounded like an authoritatively played rendition of the score..”
Santa Fe Reporter: “The orchestra, led by conductor James Gaffigan, was phenomenal from the opening prelude to the final notes of Act 3.”
Santa Fe New Mexican: “High praise goes to conductor James Gaffigan and the opera orchestra, which played with as much purpose and precision as I’ve ever heard from it. Gaffigan’s musical intentions are clearly conveyed, and he struck an excellent balance between the reflective and the turbulent portions of the score.”
ConcertoNet: “Conductor James Gaffigan sets this luxuriant score ablaze, packing it with scathing nuances and details. Tempos never rush nor drag. In such an intricate abundance of musical ideas, the orchestra is incisive, displaying inexorable impetus and unabashed sensuality while maintaining extreme clarity.”
