Shanamadele’s Coffee Break
Pet Peeve #162Archive for opera
All Work, More Play
We’re going to the opera tonight. I’m so excited — it’s Carmen.
This morning, Pumpkin said, “I’m trying to remember how long it’s been since I’ve seen Carmen.”
“Oh. You’ve seen the movie,” I asked, surprised because I did not recall seeing it with him and I doubted that he saw it before we met.
“No, I saw it with M,” he reminded me.
I had forgotten — several years ago, I had bought tickets to Carmen as a birthday present for myself. But, then, I decided going to work was more important than going to the opera. So, M went instead. I think I was very sad and probably angry.
There may be a lesson in this that is relevant as I look for a new job.
Macbeth
Went to the opera last night.� It re-affirmed my decision to purchase season tickets, despite the expense and the challenges we will soon face to actually attend.
I wasn’t sure what Verdi could add to Macbeth.� But when Macbeth and Lady Macbeth join the courtisans tributes to Duncan and curses to his murderer on the morning his Duncan’s body is discovered, it really drives home their treachery.
Here’s the thing about opera. First, you take a full orchestra. Then you add virtuoso singers. Plus, costuming, lighting, staging, drama and dance.� Lighting. Last night, the lighting was almost a character of its own.� The set and lighting designers did amazing things to completely transform what was otherwise a very Spartan stage.� Screens would drop from the ceiling or rise from the floor, and projections of Rorschach ink blots would transform into Birnam wood.� The lights would sway sickeningly as Macbeth descended into his internal darkness.
Okay, plus, I got to dress up and use my opera glasses.� How cool is that!?
Alas, the soprano was ill and� not in full voice. The tenor and baritone were pretty good. As Pumpkin pointed out, it was the first performance we’d attended in Portland that did not end with a standing ovation.
EDIT: Oh, I don’t think I mean courtisans. I mean all the hangers about in the castle. So, I could mean courtisans. But that seems wrong for folks hanging around with Macbeth. Anyone got a better word?
