so she dies in the end
Tonight we went to the opera. Our first one. I've dragged Carie to enough concerts in Toronto but we never saw any operas there. So tonight we saw Verdi's La traviata at the National Arts Centre.
So we're sitting there shortly into the first act. We forgot to read the synopsis in the handout and now it's too dark. The fancy people in their fancy costumes on the fancy stage are bellowing fancy words in Italian. We get to read surtitles in English or French but at the cost of taking our eyes off the action.
But one gets used to such conditions. (And now my Italian is that much better... but not my French.) The show lasted 3 hours, including two intermissions. I try to convince myself that the stage crew needs those intermissions for setting up; I would rather just not stop; as soon as the lights go on again everybody stirs and wiggles. I'd rather not stir because as soon as I do I'm reminded that my legs would like to unfold please, something I don't have to notice if I'm distracted. Whatever we're paying for, it's not the comfort factor...
Anyway. It was nice; we sat in the front row on the second balcony, and since all the balconies are right above each other, it's no worse view than from the first balcony but certainly cheaper. Third balcony is the nosebleed section, but that's a real bird's-eye view and probably not ideal. I'm always scoping out the best spots to sit, and this time I wasn't at all unhappy with our location.
Hmm... how to summarize? Some girl who parties way too much decides to give love a chance; she gives up her lifestyle for her newly beloved Alfredo, and things go well for a time until Alfredo's father comes and asks her to leave her man since her not-so-stellar reputation is tarnishing the name of Alfredo's family and thus also his sister's chances of marrying well. In a noble twist, she agrees but just leaves Alfredo rather than explain her actions. Alfredo thinks it's because she's cheating and he gets mad at her, a reaction for which others get mad at him. Some time later... she's dying of TB or something and they all reunite and make up and... kerplonk! she's dead. Curtains!
On our way home, we realized that the people out on the town tonight were roughly divided into two groups: well-dressed elderly folks out enjoying an opera, and young rowdy noise-makers wearing green and bar-hopping. Happy St. Patrick's Day I guess.
are you not allowed to take pictures during an opera? or is that too touristy for you?
ReplyDeleteNo not allowed; it's grounds for getting kicked out. I could snap a picture when the curtains are closed but there's really nothing to shoot then. And yes, that's a little touristy :).
ReplyDelete.....but I do find you a little lacking in respect for the whole affaire. What about the singing? Was the soprano any good? (that's after all the highlight of the opera)
ReplyDeleteI do remember sitting there and recalling olden days when we kids were baffled by the fact that you could listen to--and enjoy--those shrieking sopranos. But I was impressed at the range of the leading soprano's voice, and the great control at the higher end. Quite amazing really. However, I found myself hoping for more chorus-type bellowing... there wasn't too much of that; I guess I just prefer choral music.
ReplyDeleteOccasionally I do still crank Cecilia Bartoli's rendition of Vivaldi's Agitata... from Griselda.
affaire with an 'e'? what does that mean dad?!?
ReplyDeleteMmmm. I tried to get this translated but it won't copy that way. It is however accepted as a part of the English language .
ReplyDeleteDaughter #1
Affaire
1. (voz fr.) m. (Voice fr.) M. Asunto o negocio ilícito u oscuro que tiene repercusiones sociales o políticas: Case or obscure or illicit business that has social or political impact:
se vio involucrado en un affaire de contrabando de armas. Was involved in an affair of arms smuggling.
mmm
ReplyDeleteWhen we come to Ontario next time, I'd love to see a concert (or an opera, I suppose) with you. Never been to one . . .
ReplyDeleteSo between snow and operas you are really getting cultured - traditional canadian winter; performing arts. down here in the good ole valley we have cool temps but no snow and the flowers are starting to push up.
ReplyDeleteSo you might be down for the wedding - Joanne wants you to know there is a b&b for you if you do.