Phantoms at the Opera

The Metropolitan Opera will rouse itself from its deep sleep with the world premiere of John Corigliano and William M. Hoffman's Ghosts of Versailles, the first contemporary music to be produced there in a quarter of a century. Minimalism does not lift its puny voice in this full-throated treatment of the further adventures of the count and countess and Cherubino as they encounter the French Revolution. Corigliano's music is emotionally generous and not afraid of the big gesture. Hoffman's libretto is witty, touching, and singable. The sublime Teresa Stratas will create Marie Antoinette, while Marilyn Home has the role of a lifetime as an Egyptian diva, and a genuine show-stopping aria.

TERRENCE MCNALLY