Nov 21st, 2008 · Strauss's lurid, yet sumptuous one-act opera tells the story of Elektra and her decidedly dysfuntional family — her murdered father Agamemnon, her frantic sister Chrysothemis, and their homicidal mother, Klytaemnestra. The production is from the Washington National Opera.
Oct 9th, 2008 · A leaner, more linear version of a 1994 drama from cult director Wong Kar-wai; entrancingly atmospheric, emotionally elusive and saturated with colors so vivid as to verge on the psychedelic. (Recommended).
Aug 14th, 2008 · Not long ago, visitors from far and wide flocked to the sumptuous Swat Valley in northwest Pakistan. But these days, Swat — once seen as the 'Switzerland of Asia' — stands on the front line of a conflict between the Taliban and the Pakistani government's security forces.
Jul 24th, 2008 · Purists, fear not: The new film of the Evelyn Waugh novel is visually sumptuous and largely stays true to its source. And Bob Mondello says this two-hour take on the classic tale provides new insights on character.
Nov 30th, 2007 · Located in Paris' Gare de Lyon station, Le Train Bleu is a far cry from Paris' crowded, noisy brasseries. And its priceless ambience is well worth a splurge, at least once, writes Rome-based correspondent Sylvia Poggioli.
Sep 20th, 2007 · Grammy-winning jazz pianist and vocalist Diana Krall has found favor with traditional jazz enthusiasts and mainstream pop fans alike. She turns her attention to her voice in an interview and studio performance with Marian McPartland on Piano Jazz.