Opera at the Movies

Yesterday evening, I had a message from a violinist friend - she had a spare ticket for Nabucco at the Palace, would I be interested?  Yes.  Yes I would.  A 1pm showing, and my 1pm student had to come earlier because he was in a concert in the afternoon - perfect.  I'd known for some time that the Palace screened operas and ballets, but hadn't ever gone to one.  This was well worth it so I can see this happening again.

I had no idea of the story, or any famous bits (yes - as a musician I'm a little embarrassed about this).  However, it wasn't just the opera - the musical director, and the conductor, spoke about the work.  Where it fit in Verdi's life, the significance of various aspects, what the plot was all about, etc.  Before the beginning we had a snapshot of rehearsals with the 2 leads, and before the 2nd half (after a timed 15 minute interval) we had a bit of chorus behind-the-scenes.  Both of these segments I found wonderful.  Seeing the personalities of the top shots (just, you know, Placido Domingo and Liudmyla Monastyrska) as well as the enthusiasm of the chorus made the whole experience a bit more personal.  It was such a relief to hear the chorus members being so excited about their jobs - especially when we heard that 400 people applied for 4 jobs.  Two of them said the best thing - and it's something I've felt myself.  That is, that looking out at the 2000 or so people who are there to watch you, and you're singing to them, and not only that, but you're surrounded by 60 other singers who are singing with you, all on the same page (so to speak), is the most amazing feeling. 

As for the actual opera-on-the-big-screen - I'm a little bit morally torn.  It was such a good production.  I'll get to that in a moment.  The moral dilemma comes from knowing that, if we always went with the cheaper cinema option, the opera industry would die.  And there is so much involved in producing an opera!  However... This was fabulous.  Close-ups of the singers (slightly disconcerting with the mouths doing what they need to do, but I can deal with that); easy-to-read sur-titles; peeks into the pit.  And I don't have the money to get to London, so this is a reasonable alternative. 

The setting work was so simple but very effective.  It didn't detract from the music or drama at all.  Well, except for the fire, which had me slightly on edge.  Yes, I knew it would be controlled and safe and all that, but still.  The costumes I mostly liked.  They went with a modern setting, and they all looked like they were in a World War II movie.  Which was rather appropriate, considering this is a war opera.  However, the 'sisters' Fenena and Abigaille wore these really unflattering tent-like coats.  I really wanted them to wear 40s dresses that wouldn't make either of them look like a big lump.  Oh well.  The orchestra was noticeably wonderful.  Tuning.  Tone.  Balance.  But, best of all, togetherness.  The pizzicati!  So together!  There was only one place where it sounded like there were maybe 2 people playing them together, and then - only just.  And when there was an instrumental part (without singers, that it), it was so intense. 

The singers.  Wow.  The chorus was well done (and snaps to the guys willing to go shirt-free for an act).  The soloists were all top notch.  Opera hasn't made me cry before, especially when seen live (creaking stages, anyone?) but this one had me tearing up a few times.  Well-balanced voices combined with acting skills make for a powerful production.  Placido Domingo is a well-known force, and rightfully so.  He sang and acted his part so well.  Liudmyla Monastyrska was a new name to me, but jaw-dropping.  Such a huge voice, with (as she put it herself) enough vocal mastery to pull off the part.  I'm so glad I went to this!

Youtube

I was a bit sad I couldn't do my first choice of New Thing today.  I guess it will have to wait until maybe next weekend, fingers crossed.  But I'm really feeling under the weather.  After church I had lunch then a little sleep...for a few hours...  Then I tried to find a video of the Olympics Opening Ceremony.  No joy.  There were some short clips, some a bit longer but of dodgy quality, but nothing of the bits I wanted to see.  I had managed to watch from the teams walking on when it was broadcast on Saturday morning, but I really wanted to see the earlier bits.  Oh well.  Normally, this is when I would stop browsing Youtube and move on.

Recently I was looking for a particular segment from Good News Week on Youtube - when there were 2 foreigners on the show they would have a Citizenship Test part.  So funny.  But I haven't managed to find it.  Today I had another look for it, as that was all my energy levels could manage.  I watched a few shorter segments, tried to find a particular Lenny Henry bit (from years ago) that had me nearly asphyxiating, then I put on a full episode.  Note:  it's not a good idea to consume food and/or drink while watching this show.  It can get messy and potentially dangerous.  Good thing, then, that I grew up with 3 brothers making me laugh during mealtimes.

The Olympics coverage is on again now, but when it's something I find less interesting to watch, another episode of Good News Week is on. 

Yesterday's photo:

I had coffee yesterday morning at Casa de Bubbles, where there is a new fancy coffee tin.  When the coffee is scooped against the side, 'Vittoria' is visible in the coffee.

Today's photo:

Last weekend, my niece and nephew (and their parents) came over.  My niece, who's 3, drew me this picture, and we put it on the keyboard.  Some of my students this week looked at it asked if I had drawn it.