Sometimes, it's comforting to realize that even the great masters throughout history had to start somewhere.
As in, some of their early stuff is really really bad.
I am shaking my head in astonishment this week as we do Verdi's "Macbeth". I don't know much opera, and I'm not the world's biggest opera fan. (I'm trying to be, since I'm married to one, but I don't know if I'm cut out for it.)
So I wasn't sure whether it was just me when we were reading the opera in rehearsal earlier this week and I was bored out of my mind.
Thus, I was grateful when someone who plays with the Santa Fe Opera every summer (i.e., he does a lot of opera) said that this was probably the worst opera he's ever played or heard. It just doesn't make sense. Macbeth is a tragedy, right? So why, in a big swordfight and revenge scene, does the music sound like an 19th century Italian version of The Chicken Dance? "I hate-a you! I poot a vendetta on-a you life! Now lets-a dance!"
[The rest of this blog entry has been censored because I was alerted that its original contents could have offended some who remained nameless, even though this blog is not enabled for google searches. Apparently my blog is now sweeping the nation and I have to be Big Brother about who reads it. I should be so flattered...]
4 comments:
Very entertaining and funny post.
Those of us who are professional musicians, have definitely experienced low-points and AMUSING-points in Opera performance.
There's just something about opera which is comical anyway. When you add the ingredients of wobbly vibrato and bad writing, you've got a recipe for yawns and giggles!
I loved all the little quips that Barnewitz came up with. I do remember him as being an extremely funny guy (as well as talented, of course!)
Holy Shit Darc...you sure do know how to paint the picture.....I would love to be a fly on the wall for that one. Too funny!Make sure you aren't drinking anything...you might spit it out!
Entertaining and engaging as ever Darcy! I love YOUR perspective. This one was particularly timely as I will be sitting through a high school production of "The Wizard of Oz" tonight. In light of your humorous review, I hope I can contain my laughter. Thanks for "lightening up" this world, Michelle
The Cowardly Lion is one of my favorite stars. I wish I could meet him someday. "King of the Forest" is my favorite song.
My People#2 wants me to ask you to post something new on your blog soon. He enjoys your writing.
Paws 'n claws,
Rupert
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