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Post by julesd68 on Sept 29, 2014 12:07:20 GMT
I have finally given in to my mother's constant 'suggestions' that I see an opera with her. She is an operaholic on a grand scale, especially where Wagner is concerned ... I enjoyed being in Tosca at the age of 14, but I've never been in, or been to, an opera since ... just can't get past the overly 'theatrical' singing and wobbly voices. The only reason I agreed to go is because we're seeing some Monteverdi at the Barbican this Saturday - L'incoronazione di Poppea - which means at least I should hear some music I like, even if the singing doesn't appeal. Hopefully it won't be too traumatic - a large glass of wine should help the evening flow a bit better ...  |
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Post by MartinT on Sept 29, 2014 21:35:13 GMT
I've seen a few - the obligatory La Traviata at the ROH. Possibly the best, because it's unusual and I love his music, was Poulenc's Dialogues des Carmelites.
Generally, though, Opera and Musicals are just not for me.
Watch the Wagner - most of them are VERY long!  |
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Post by julesd68 on Sept 29, 2014 22:40:11 GMT
Ha - yes she dissapears for days on end to listen to Wagner. I've told her the only way she will get me to Wagner is a trip to Seattle or San Francisco, that kind of thing ... So don't think that will be happening anytime soon!
The thought of sitting through the likes of Cosi fan tutte makes me shudder.
Now you have piqued my curiosity with the Poulenc, whom I love ... I'll be checking that out, many thanks.
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Post by John on Sept 30, 2014 4:38:54 GMT
I been to a few my attitude at the time is life is short and good to have new experiences. The best I can say is enjoyed some of it
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Post by ChrisB on Sept 30, 2014 7:47:12 GMT
I was herded to quite a few operatic performances by my mother when I was a kid. Despite her brave persistence in this endeavour, she failed to spark a single notion of interest in the form. I'm still scarred from the ordeal!
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Post by John on Sept 30, 2014 14:14:41 GMT
Lol
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Post by julesd68 on Oct 6, 2014 12:26:41 GMT
Well I survived Saturday night!
The opera was billed as 'semi-staged' but this amounted to eight chairs and some fairly old-fashioned dramatic lighting effects, so it was all down to the performances to hold the interest ... There was no lack of drama and energy in that respect, with some of the singing done off-stage amongst the audience. I certainly enjoyed listening to the period instruments, all of which were played immaculately as one might expect.
The reviews I have read of the evening were universally in praise of the production with a few reservations on the role of Poppea. Of course I'm not a seasoned expert on opera like my mother who assured me that most of the singing was of a very high standard indeed and for the most part I agreed. I just really struggle with the more 'theatrical' female voices. All down to taste in the end - I love the purity and precision of Renaissance church music and operatic voices just aren't my thang. There were times when some of the higher pitched male voices reminded me of the church music I like and at times, the combination of voice and music was very beautiful and beguiling indeed.
The plot is full of Roman lust and murder, which certainly helps to hold the attention and thankfully there were surtitles in the background.
So I'm not going to be rushing back to the opera, but it's good to push one's musical comfort zone now and again!
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