Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...If "Capriccio" always will be more a connoisseurs' opera than a big crowd-pleaser on the order of "Der Rosenkavalier," Strauss' glorious music makes the opera a rarefied treat eminently deserving of revival whenever the operatic stars are in alignment. They most certainly are in Lyric's loving revival."
Chicago Stage Review - Highly Recommended
"...While the story of Capriccio is a fine balance between serious artistic debate and self-deprecating humor, Strauss' sumptuous, romantic music never lets us forget that at its heart it is a paean to the glory of opera. Lyric's exceptionally talented cast, skillfully directed by Peter McClintock and strongly supported in the minor roles by several talented members of the Ryan Opera Center; as well as a luscious performance by Sir Andrew Davis and the Lyric Opera Orchestra, make Capriccio more than just a delightful confection. It is a richly layered and thoughtful study on the nature of creativity and a very funny look at the opera."
Chicago On the Aisle - Highly Recommended
"...To watch Lyric Opera’s “Capriccio” is to put one’s mind inside a blissful dream of wealth and privilege, where the toughest choices facing a glamorous Parisian countess concerned which adoring, handsome and talented young man to endow with her philanthropy, and her bed."
Stage and Cinema - Recommended
"...Just as Mozart’s Don Giovanni referenced Lyric Opera’s own distinguished history, it seems fitting that Richard Strauss’s Capriccio should follow, with its wider musings on the history and theory of opera itself. Fleshed out by the composer’s lush orchestrations, conducted by Sir Andrew Davis, and given voice by stars new and old, Lyric Opera’s Capriccio is a feast for the senses and the intellect."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Capriccio starts off slowly but don’t quit on this opera for it evolves into a cleverly captivating light spook of the creative process and the eccentricities of artists. Besides the yoeman work by Peter Rose as the passionate impresario, Juan Jose De Leon, as the Italian Tenor and Emily Birsan as the Italian Soprano, we enjoy the comic ballet work from Jennifer Goodman and Randy Herrera."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...Richard Strauss’ 1942 “conversation piece for Music” known as Capriccio, which received a lush opening at the Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday, is more of a manifesto than an opera. This production, set in Paris of the 1920’s (though sung in German!) was not performed by the Lyric Opera until 1994, but this rendition is a lovely jewel to set in the crown of this 60th anniversary season. Strauss was an old man when he wrote this, and the world as everyone knew it was coming apart at the seams. It is not surprising that the rich music is nostalgic and reflective. It does not hint at the turmoil brewing and the world shattering changes to come, and yet it is oddly timely in our own era where the world is evolving ever more quickly."
Seen and Heard International - Recommended
"...The issue of music vs. words remains unresolved, of course, although this staging has the Countess appear to write down her answer with a smile at opera's end. Despite our never seeing the answer, because it is the music that ultimately makes the largest impression within the work, the scale is ultimately tipped in music's favor as the curtain closes to a horn serenade, introspectively played by principal French horn Jonathan Boen."
The Fourth Walsh - Recommended
"...Having seen "Don Giovanni" last week, I found myself in my own silent debate of Mozart verses Strauss. I came up with this analogy. Rain is a regular occurrence in Ireland. The Irish refer to a rain mist as soft. I would describe CAPRICCIO as a soft rain and "Don Giovanni" as the perfect storm. Although both nurture renewal, one will leave you more enthusiastically drenched."