The Ladies Gimmicky-Assed Opera
posted by on February 18 at 9:53 AM
I was listening the the Metropolitan Opera broadcast in the car this weekend, wondering What could they possibly be talking about? What is going on? I’ll tell you what’s going on: Opera directors with pommel horses up their asses trying to “make” “opera” “interesting.” Even if Karita Mattila—the much-lauded, much-favored diva among opera queens (not this one, henny)—had actually hit the intended pitch of high C, those splits would still have embodied the very essence of modern opera production—vulgar, farcical, wasteful, and meaningless.
Interviewer and Actual Reigning Soprano Renée Fleming (literally) does not stoop to that level:
I was reading the Slog at the breakfast table this morning, wondering what could he possibly be talking about? What is going on?
I know. Shh.
I thought the whole point of opera was to be entertaining and vulgar. Huh.
So opera from its inception has always been a pure and high-class art that has never tried to be interesting or entertaining?
WELL, ARE YOU REALLY EVEN ENTERTAINED BY SPLITS? is the question. DOES IT FURTHER THE STORY? is the question. DON'T YOU FEEL PANDERED-TO? is the question. These are the questions.
I have questions.
We are totally "questioning."
it's not the directors that are in charge of the broadcast intermissions. peter gelb isn't a stage director, never has been. and-- this is a funny criticism to attach to a 28 year old production of manon, of all things.
Alright, kids...saw Karita in this role in Houston a couple years back. She did this for the final night so...this is not due to Peter Gelb. This is due to Karita...who sang the role amply and was a wonderful actor in the role. Her voice has a much more consistent richness when compared against Renee Fleming who I can write a whole diatribe for in favor of other sopranos...but will refrain.
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