9 posts tagged “opera”
The lovely and talented Flamingo Dancer posted a book review of a used book for which I am positively green with envy. The book was a biography of this diva (I wish I could have gotten film of her singing, but the recording will have to do...):
So, there I was, auditioning at the Met. (What can I say--I dream big.)
The curtain on the back of the stage refused to stay closed, so I had to hold it for everyone else who was auditioning, too. At some point or other, I realized that I should have brought binder clips, because binder clips work quite well for holding curtains closed. (Why this was my concern and not that of the presumably well-paid stagehands at the Met, I do not know.) As I held the curtain, I realized that I wasn't even sure what I was singing or how the words or melody went.
When I was finally called, I couldn't find my way through the curtain and had to crawl underneath. Yes, I was wearing a diva dress at the time.
Once I got out there, I realized that I still didn't know what I was supposed to be singing or how to sing it, but I was handed a score. Well, that was...nice. Then I saw that my accompanist (in fact, a friend from school who is, to the best of my knowledge, a vocalist rather than a pianist) was sitting at an organ. While I knew nothing about the music, I did know that it was supposed to have piano accompaniment. However, I sight-read the whole shebang reasonably well, though I did have a certain amount of trouble with the Queen-of-the-Night-esque Fs.
Possibly the weirdest moment of all?
When I realized that I was singing (more recitative-ing, really, which is, for the non-singers out there, a sort of half-speaking/half singing) a synopsis of one of the Terminator films.
Come to think of it, I could see Terminator II being a really cool opera.
You know that it must be getting close to finals time when you wake up from a dream in which you are supposed to be singing in a competition. You open your mouth to start singing, except that suddenly you are told that you have to sing "Habenera" from Carmen to which you, of course, know not the words or anything except the general tune.
Needless to say, EVERYONE is both there and very disappointed in you.
Don't really think I need a dream dictionary for this one.
Someday, I will have a Really Cool Sound System.
There will be a night not too long after the acquisition of said sound system that the neighbors across the street will start blaring their mariachi music at 2 AM. Said music will be loud enough to wake the dead in Dallas County, and, across the street, will be audible through a high-speed ceiling fan, a pillow over the head, closed windows and blinds, and white noise.
This will be the moment at which UbiCaritas will rise in wrath from her bed, place the speakers to the Really Cool Sound System in the then-open windows, crank up the sound level to "Wow, carapiccoladiva can hear it over in the Wien," and let 'er rip with either:
or possibly
Subtle it isn't...but fun it most certainly would be.
I've FINALLY received Joan Sutherland's autobiography. The post office had returned it to the sellers because I supposedly do not live at this address. I've lived here for nearly two years, this is my legal address, and I've received countless packages here in the past, but whadeva. It finally came, after being sent once more.
While I've only dipped into it a little so far, I would like to say right now that this woman fits my definition of diva, which does not seem to be the common meaning. When people hear the word "diva," most think of someone who is completely self-centered, makes insane and unreasonable demands, and would as soon slit your throat as have you compete with her. I, on the other hand, think of my lovely and many diva friends, who care deeply about one another and who want others to succeed as much as they do.
Ms. Sutherland falls plainly into the second category.
Her writing is gracious, authentic, and slightly humorous. She seems to be at once a wonderful musician and a delightful human being. So far there has not been even a hint of prima-donna attitude, of improper snobbiness, or of crudity. She keeps the drama on the stage. In short, she appears to be what my grandmother would call a "lady."
I'll write an actual review after finishing the book.
Unlikely as it sounds, I'd almost vow that corporate read my rant of a few days ago regarding their choice of music.
What are we listening to now?
Would you believe La Boheme and Mamma Mia?
"Take a Chance on Me" followed by "Mi Chiamano Mimi" followed by "Super Trooper" followed by Che Gelida Manina followed by "Dancing Queen" followed by "Quando M'en Vo" is an experience that has to be heard to be believed.
I think I should have been a bit more specific when I said "showtunes."
Though I hear that the soundtrack of the South Pacific revival may be going on our playlist soon. (crosses fingers)
Oh, abebooks.com is a wonderful place!
For those of you who love books, consider going there. Any out-of-print book (or, for that matter, in-print book) imaginable is available on there via their sellers--who, incidentally, seem to hold themselves to a VERY high level of customer service.
I ordered the following:
I really don't know much about La Stupenda, except that she was born in Australia, her music is just breathtaking, and a few notes in another diva's book. So, I ordered this. It's out of print; I got it hardbound and in good condition for $1 plus $4 shipping.
On the recommendation of the carapiccoladiva, I also ordered this. It is also hardbound and in good condition, and cost $6 plus $4 shipping.
Don't get me wrong--I love my job and my store. However, there are certain books I can't just walk in there and get (though, in fairness, they now offer used books via their website), and, frankly, many books are often cheaper used and online. Not all of the sellers on abebooks offer free shipping, but many are now doing so.
Oh, to have unlimited book-buying funds!
I might as well post this as well. This is Dawn Upshaw singing Susannah from Mozart's Le Nozze de Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro). The plot is entirely too complex to describe here (think musical soap opera), but suffice to say that she is singing about love. And I've fallen in love with this. :P
Leaving aside the total loveliness of the music, isn't the staging/costuming gorgeous? (and I know I've just used that word in two consecutive blog posts, but I think it's the best word for that set. Watch and see if you don't agree!)
Enjoy!
Writing the previous post reminded me of a funny story I'd meant to post on here but had forgotten.
As I had family coming into town that afternoon, I had half a dozen errands to run: work to pick up paycheck, bank to deposit said check, Albertsons for groceries, Central Market for WONDERFUL bread, roasted peppers, and some organic dish detergent, gas station to gas up car prior to trip to Glen Rose, and mechanic to find out why the car lost all coolant the night before.
As I started to exit the freeway, the car overheated and died. I realized two things:
1) I really, really like power brakes and steering and
2) with no engine, I have neither.
I managed not to hit anyone (slapped my flasher button, pulled off freeway and across four lanes of traffic to end up in a side street) and got to a stop safely. Called AAA, who called a tow truck. The tow truck guy loaded the car up. On the way to the shop, he kept trying to make conversation. Nice guy, even somewhat cute, but not the sharpest knife in the drawer, and we didn't have much in common. I love cowtown, but sometimes it brings moments like these:
Him: "So you go to XYZ College?"
Me: "Yes."
Him: "I went there for a while before deciding that my life's work would be towing. What're you studying?"
Me: (figuring I'd keep it simple) "Music and singing."
Him: "Oh, so you're gonna be on American Idol?"
Me: (wincing) Not exactly. I study more classical music.
(a pause, as he thinks about the ramifications of this)
Him: "Oh. Sorta like that there opera?"
Me: (keeps straight face) "Yeah, sort of."
