2013 Toronto Blue Jays Season Preview

Posted on February 10, 2013 by Edward Brain

With pitchers and catchers shortly due to report to Dunedin, the Blue Jays spring season home, I thought it was time to do an overview of the upcoming seasons.

2012 was a total disappointment, especially for fans, as the team managed a lowly 73-89 record, and a 4th place finish in the American League (A.L.) East.  The team lost José Bautista to a wrist injury, and Ricky Romero suffered through consistency issues.

The off-season saw manager John Farrell depart for the Bosten Red Sox, and the Blue Jays pulled off a huge 12 player trade bringing Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson, John Buck, José Reyes, and Emilio Bonifacio.  Later signings and trades saw John Buck depart for the New York Mets in a trade for 2012 National League (N.L.) Cy Young award winner R.A. Dickey, and the signings of Left Fielder Melky Cabrera and infielder Maicer Izturis. Continue reading →

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Tristan Und Isolde at the C.O.C.

Posted on February 3, 2013 by Edward Brain

The Canadian Opera Company (C.O.C.) production of the Wagner’s Tristan Und Isolde is indeed splendid.  While I normally concerned about ‘new’ productions nowadays, this Tristan rises to the occasion, espcecially thanks to its cast which included Ben Heppner (Tristan), Melanie Diener (Isolde), Alan Held (Kurwenal), and Franz-Josef Selig (King Marke).  Music Director Johannes Debus, conducted the C.O.C. Orchestra which was also breathtaking.

In this production be director Peter Sellars, we receive minimal sets, but with a video backdrop provided by Bill Viola.  While the video worked at times, especially during Isolde’s Liebestod, at other times I found it distracting and questionable.  Act 2 ends with daybreak literally appearing – the video shows the sun rising through over a hill. Continue reading →

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