Good morning GUSerinos! Yesterday I walked myself around the corner to watch Handel's Giulio Cesare. Much to my surprise, the good seat I always get was sold -- as was the whole block of seats in the center risers. Excellent news for the continued showing of the Metropolitan Opera's Live HD performances in my little town.
I know you are waiting with bated breath to read all about my 5 hours at the opera but first -- here's who we are:
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Ok, as always, enough about youz guys, let's talk about me. So, I got a decent seat next to this guy. I asked if he had seen the opera before and he hadn't -- neither had I. Turns out his brother in NOLA told him to try it out. He is originally from NOLA so we had a great time chatting about the city and its culture.
Then I saw my Polish friend who I met at other performances. She, too, missed out on the good center seat. After the long first act, the guy disappeared and my friend joined me in slightly better seats.
Now, about the opera. Even if one hates opera, it is tough to hate Handel. The music was glorious and the cast was stellar. Three counter-tenors!!! Yikes. I think I've seen 2 at most.
Natalie Dessay was Cleopatra.
The woman sings like an angel, is as petite as a waif and she was as toned as a personal trainer. One scene she had a silver bra and harem pants on. I couldn't take my eyes off of her midriff and Michelle Obama arms. She said, during the intermission interview that she owes it all to yoga!!!! Did I mention she is 48???? I'm thinking effey could get a job training opera singers.
This opera is the only one I have ever seen which contains both painful tragedy and sheer brilliant comedy. Dessay had quite a few dance scenes -- one while she sang an incredibly long coloratura!!! First time the movie theatre audience applauded loudly with the Met audience and were on their feet for the curtain call. I hope to see the opera again in an encore performance -- or the summer encore series. Gorgeous set, costumes, staging, choreography and of course, the Met orchestra was stellar. The conductor, who is a baroque expert, also played the harpsichord.
Bored yet? It was a high for me because I was social and saw a new opera which I adored. The roster for next season's 12 HD performances is amazing. Only one I probably won't go to because I don't like Shostakovitch -- I'm not that sophisticated yet.
Hope everyone else had a wonderful yesterday and will enjoy the rest of today. Gorgeous weather has come to Connecticut.
And in honor of Natalie Dessay, I've pulled out my yoga tapes. Namaste, ya'll.
New voices are ALWAYS appreciated and always welcome.
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Here's a snippet of Cleopatra with her evil brother, Ptolemy. The counter-tenor was brilliant as well. Obviously, this isn't the more revealing outfit.
A longer piece (without action) which provides her amazing range: