Opern auf englisch
A—'s visit was absolutely wonderful. (Technically, he's still in town, but now staying with another friend.) On Thursday we ended up spending more than 4 hours in the V&A, and that included skipping quite a great deal. Friday was the most beautiful spring day, so we walked through Hyde Park, then had lunch at Harrod's. (And if you thought $20 for a cocktails was wacky, check out $20 for a pastrami sandwich...)
After having seen no opera since the BF's visit, I saw two operas in two days. In fact, since the second was a matinee, it's more like 2 operas in less than 36 hours. Both were at the ENO, and both in translation, and I have to say, after the second one, I suddenly "got" why people want to see opera English. Yes, yes.
In the end, it probably would have been better to talk A— to Twilight of the Gods rather than to Lulu. Lulu was very good, particularly the phenomenal Lisa Saffer in the title role. (She is known to me personally from my time at what G— recently aptly called "the opera company that dare not speak its name.") Other singers ranged from adequate to bad.
Sitting though the six hours of Twilight on the other hand, was pretty much like getting punched in the gut over and over again. In a good way. The idea of a modern-dress Ring seemed so tired, and the idea of Wagner in English seemed so... improbable—my expectations were very low. But the result reminded me (once again) that things like modern dress or minimalist sets or whatever are only as good the stage director makes them. And when you have a director who can actually move bodies around on stage, who can create stage pictures that instantly communicate something both direct and complicated about the drama, who can get big, powerful, physical performances out of the singers—well, let's just say that I really didn't think that you're actually supposed to be weeping uncontrollably during the immolation scene. (This amazing director, incidentally, is apparently Emma Thomson's mother.)
Also: It was closing night for the production, and so during the curtain call, the entire orchestra got up on stage with the conductor. We're talking about the orchestra for Götterdammerung here, folks. That's a lot of people. After such a thrilling afternoon/evening in the theater (3pm-9pm!) it seemed somehow very right.
Y'know, I'm getting tired of writing here only about things that actually happen to me. Sometime this week I think I'll try to do a more expository thing about life here. Potential topics include: The decoration of my room. The British general election. My current position against gay "identity" and for gay "culture." On second thought, now that I type them, all three seem rather dreary. Any preferences, folks?
After having seen no opera since the BF's visit, I saw two operas in two days. In fact, since the second was a matinee, it's more like 2 operas in less than 36 hours. Both were at the ENO, and both in translation, and I have to say, after the second one, I suddenly "got" why people want to see opera English. Yes, yes.
In the end, it probably would have been better to talk A— to Twilight of the Gods rather than to Lulu. Lulu was very good, particularly the phenomenal Lisa Saffer in the title role. (She is known to me personally from my time at what G— recently aptly called "the opera company that dare not speak its name.") Other singers ranged from adequate to bad.
Sitting though the six hours of Twilight on the other hand, was pretty much like getting punched in the gut over and over again. In a good way. The idea of a modern-dress Ring seemed so tired, and the idea of Wagner in English seemed so... improbable—my expectations were very low. But the result reminded me (once again) that things like modern dress or minimalist sets or whatever are only as good the stage director makes them. And when you have a director who can actually move bodies around on stage, who can create stage pictures that instantly communicate something both direct and complicated about the drama, who can get big, powerful, physical performances out of the singers—well, let's just say that I really didn't think that you're actually supposed to be weeping uncontrollably during the immolation scene. (This amazing director, incidentally, is apparently Emma Thomson's mother.)
Also: It was closing night for the production, and so during the curtain call, the entire orchestra got up on stage with the conductor. We're talking about the orchestra for Götterdammerung here, folks. That's a lot of people. After such a thrilling afternoon/evening in the theater (3pm-9pm!) it seemed somehow very right.
Y'know, I'm getting tired of writing here only about things that actually happen to me. Sometime this week I think I'll try to do a more expository thing about life here. Potential topics include: The decoration of my room. The British general election. My current position against gay "identity" and for gay "culture." On second thought, now that I type them, all three seem rather dreary. Any preferences, folks?
posted by Grrg at 12:52 PM
5 Comments:
Can't type. Too jealous.
Actually moreso about Twilight, Saffer notwithstanding.
I vote for one of the latter two topics, which don't sound dreary at all. Decoration of your room would just make me feel shabby in my all Ikea world.
I wouldn't mind at all hearing your thoughts on the British election, but I'm quite interested in your current thoughts on gay identity vs. culture, especially since I have so many problems with gay "culture." And instead of describing your room decor, post some pictures instead!
Darling- blast the shit out of gay culture just because you can! Sadly I realize that I'd probably drape myself daily in a rainbow sarong if I were a gay man... but I'm very glad that you're more dignified.
Also do tell about the room!
greg- go for the identity vs. culture. always facsinated to hear you talk about anything.
and yes, post more pictures please.
(e)
I personally would love to hear about your restaurant experiences/recommendations in London. Also, enquiring minds want to know about the weird or macabre British cuisine you've experienced since being there. Also, the ever burning question, is the Curry really all that great there? Most English people just go on and on about it. Just an idea...
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