Well-Read Netrebko's a Reader

 

OC puts down her copy of Peter Brunette's book on Michael Haneke, Thomas D. Saler's bio of Carlo Maria Giulini "Living Genius", and Steven Watson's "Prepare for Saints" as Anna Netrebko tells the WSJ what's on her reading list this summer:

I'm reading Georgian writer Boris Akunin's series of 11 mystery novels focusing on the character Erast Fandorin. Fandorin is a fictional 19th-century Russian detective—like Sherlock Holmes but more interesting. The books are well-written, entertaining, and not overly intellectual, which makes them perfect summer reading. I am reading them in their native Russian, but English translations are available.

Dang! We wonder where the Russian superstar even finds time to practice singing...

Comments

[Rogier]

Anna Netrebko. Yes, she's definitely one of the most literate and well read minds of the twenty first century. Honestly, do they really think we're supposed to believe she's a reader? She's reading the backs of cereal boxes for sure!

Anna Netrebko told the Wall Street Journal: "I'm reading the backs of 11 cereal boxes this summer: Apple Jacks, Cheerios, Chex, and Rice Crispies, only to name a few. I just hope I can finish half of the series before my June Manon at the Royal Opera House!"

[FreniLover]

@Rogier: LoL

[Bill]

Correct, Rogier.
Once she was asked who her favourite writer is and she had to think very hard in front of the camera in order to remember even one name. Finally she recalled "Dostoyievsky".
Today most probably she was paid to promote Akunin's novels; her words sound too commercial.

[Rachel]

Has she even read Holmes?

[Everclear]

I'll venture that even Tiago reads more books than she does.

[Barbara Schaecher]

She can read? Who knew?

[walter]

She can sing? Who knew?

[Starda Vanyra]

She should try to read some music too and get Bolena into her head before the dress rehearsal.

[Marshie]

Her reading choices are on a par with her home decor: frigid, shallow, uncultured, vulgar and ugly. Although not listed, I am certain the book on her nightstand must be "The Inner Voice: The Marketing (er, Making) of a Singer". Well, that and "Singing for Dummies" and a couple of issues of "O" - Oprah's magazine AND the film ("The Story of O"). From the latter, especially, she derives her stage presence; from the former, her musical substance.

[Azucena]

You people baffle me. This is not some street singer we're talking about. Like it or not, she IS one of the most successful opera singers of our time.

You have no idea (nor do I) of what she is really reading. This whole discussion is just proving how big of a celebrity she is. You wouldn't care what's on my summer book list, nor would I care what's on yours. We do, however, all want to know what Anna will be reading, and I am really disgusted by your remarks.

The woman can read. She is not an idiot if she is a singer. And a good singer. Not perfect, but the great ones were never perfect. Remember Callas.

@Walter, she can sing. If you don't know that, I guess you pick your informations at the wrong place (or blog). You should try going to the opera once, perhaps you won't be so brave as you are to criticize from your computer.

@Starda Vanyra, perhaps you should call her yourself and remind her that she should read some music too. She, after all, is a third-rate opera singer who pulls out of her contracts because she can't learn the roles, poor dumb soul... I am sure she will find the time to listen to your wise words. And then, if she's half the woman I presume she is, she'll hang up on you and tell you to go get a life.

Pardon the length, but since I read all of your stupidities, I am sure you will not mind the long post. After all, you can just peg me a Netrebko fan (which I am) and continue to brood in your corner of the world.

[Constantine A. Papas]

Palin was caught off guard by Kuric, concerning her reading habits. In the end, she sold 2,5 million copies of her book and made a killing. You can say anything you want about Netrebko, and she laughs all the way to the bank. She is the busiest soprano in the world, with a staggering schedule, hopping from one opera house to another. How many sopranos would have liked to be in her shoes?

[Cassandra]

Actually she is very cultivated - her understanding of Russian music is evident from her singing and her comments.

One may think she makes appalling style choices, but that complaint has been made about Russians for years.

I cannot imagine her making the stupid remarks about the psychology of Tatyana ( Onegin) made recently by an American Diva - because I'll bet AN has read Pushkin ( probably in the original)

How she dresses, decorates, eats, reads, etc. is really her own business - what she does on stage ( and records) is ours.

[Halco]

A staggering schedule does not a great singer make. Staggering schedules are highly over-rated, actually. They have been the downfall of many a modern era singer. She is certainly laughing all the way to the bank for now, as are her managers and other assorted entourage.

[Claire]

@Azucena, THANK YOU! some one has some drains aroud here.{not commenting on you O.C.} I realy like what you said. And yes you all can call me a Anna fan to, 'cuz I am!

[Constantine A. Papas]

Halco,

Your statement, "A staggering schedule does not a great singer make," is logistically antithetical. If Netrebko is in demand and sells out houses all over the world, her product must have certain value, no matter what you and I think. Of course, marketing a product helps as long as the customer sees certain value and is willing to buy it, even paying inflated prices.

[Alexander]

I'm not a fan of anybody, as I stated before, but I like Anna's singing and think she is a real gem of the world's opera. Thanks to everybody who praised Anna. It's such a pleasure to read your comments;))) If somebody likes join me on FB - you can easily find me among OC FB friends;)

[Warren]

Great shot of Trebs! OMG. Is that wonderment, befuddlement or just silly loopiness with a tinge of constipation in her expression?

Yeay for the Netrebko defenders(!), thank you. I swear, this blog has some of the cattiest commenters on the interwebs. Anna is great, wonderful voice, wonderful dame, I really don't give a rat's behind whether she has gaudy interior decorating taste. For me, it all goes with that Diva package. She's Russian, allow her some bold colors, already.

And, yes, I am quite sure she can read, and knows some Russian literature (some of the best lit. in the world), among other things.

[William C]

I do not know about her reading but I will vouch for her singing. I saw her and Garanca in the Montecchi and Capuletti at Covent Garden and it was excellent, even if Garanca got the slightly larger ovation at the end (G. also acted the part of Romeo very, very well). Both were very well received.

[Jaques Pseudonym]

she doesn't!

[Zurriuss]

Boris Akunin is from my country :)Good choice, Anna... and, please, be more artistic on stage :)