Open Question: "Benvenuto Cellini": 4th question in series "the 3 fff's": a Fiasco at it's premiere, and continues to be? ?

This is the fourth question in the series that I co-host with hafwen: "Fabulous Firsts, Flops and Fiascos" = "the 3 fff's"; her third question is still open for responses: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=ApQaUOCHSYZJjULe0KiS4ubty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20081102203938AAPdWlQ&show=7#profile-info-70jNDiIiaa Benvenuto Cellini, the first of Hector Berlioz's three some would contend all "ill-fated" operas(not including his dramatic oratorio, "The Damnation of Faust"), has never achieved any success to speak of: has never made it into the standard repertoire of any opera company. And probably for a very good reason; it's extremely difficult to stage, cast and perform. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benvenuto_Cellini_(opera) A critic's review of a 2003 Met. production of it: http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E06E6DB153DF935A35751C1A9659C8B63&scp=108&sq=Benvenuto+Cellini&st=nyt Regardless of the above, we can all appreciate Berlioz's attempt(s), and be grateful for what he salvaged from this unsuccessful endeavor, by way of enjoying the "Roman Carnival Overture" which he compiled by incorporating sections of the whole: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysFcY-d_pPM&feature=related Have any of you ever attended one of those extremely rare live performances of this opera or a concert version, or even heard a recodring of it in its entirety? Even if you haven't, what's your opinion of this most genuine anomoly of the classical music realm? Alberich --------------------------------------------------- "i.jones": Thanks for the notice, but I only watch anything if it's free. No comments on Benvenuto Cellini? Alberich --------------------------------------------------- "del_icious": Thanks. Your direct experience with acutal productions of it, and therefore your perspective is most valued; and more or less confirms the critic of the 2003 Met's. production, his general overall assessment of its artistic worth and merit. A shame. Must have really caused Hector to endlessly ponder why he had invested so much creative energy in it, for it to ultimately turn out to be such a dud; am sure he came to this conclusion prior to his death. Alberich