Do you have a fat ass and love opera?

[liz (di-va)]

I've heard boos on Met Saturday afternoon broadcasts. Not for a while, but I want to say there was a Renata Scotto performance, once... I really would like to see the boo-y Tosca...! Maybe the Met'll do a post-season HDTV encore, the way they've done the past few years.

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Originally Posted by sweet&fat

I have tickets for Tales of Hoffmann- how can you miss Netrebko? Although when they first offered the tickets they also listed Villazon, who isn't really singing any more, and clearly isn't for this production, which sucks. I saw one of his rare appearances last year singing opposite Renee Fleming in La Traviata, and I nearly died they were such a blissful pairing. One of the only times in my life that I've ever yelled "brav/o/a/o!". SPECTACULAR. Even though I was sitting in nosebleed seats, I loved every second. !

You must report back! I hope Tales of Hoffmann is great. Villazon says he is Back...will be interesting to see, eh? That must have been an amazing Traviata.

I love love love when you gotta Bravo...opera curtain calls may be my favorite thing in the world

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I didn't hear Katya K...it sounds like it was great! I like that the Lyric has always done Janacek (at least in recent years) in Czech. So much better.

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Just cause I listen to it a lot: from last season's Orfeo with Stephanie Blythe. That woman is other-worldly good.

[Ho Ho Tai]

Originally Posted by Risible

Gee, Liz, I'd love to enjoy several of these operas with you. What a great idea! I was terribly uncomfortable (read: in a lot of pain) during my last real-theater event, where I was squeezed into a little bitty seat. It was a two-Vicodin experience. Well, if I ever make it to Chicago again ...

Bio, without ever having listened to an opera, let alone seen one, is bitterly opposed to going. In fact, he just came into the room here and, as is his habit, peeked over my shoulder to see who I'm flaming now, and when he saw it was about the Opera he shot out of here. Though the "fat ass" part made him look twice.

I don't know if I can handle five-plus hours of sitting while watching Tristan and Isolde, though that would be my first pick. The romance of that story!

Risible -

You once told us that we (Mrs Ho Ho and I) had a standing invitation to come visit, see your garden, the diesel operation, and spend some time together with our legs all under the same table. Better warn BioMan, though - some years ago, I saw the entire Wagner Ring Cycle at the Seattle Opera, and loved every minute of the 13+ hours. (It was spread out over a week, so no blisters on the heiny.)

If BioMan can work up to that, then maybe he is ready to sit at table with me, while I launch into my long-winded stories.

I think I just killed my welcome!

[Ho Ho Tai]

Originally Posted by liz (di-va)

I've heard boos on Met Saturday afternoon broadcasts. Not for a while, but I want to say there was a Renata Scotto performance, once... I really would like to see the boo-y Tosca...! Maybe the Met'll do a post-season HDTV encore, the way they've done the past few years.

---


You must report back! I hope Tales of Hoffmann is great. Villazon says he is Back...will be interesting to see, eh? That must have been an amazing Traviata.

I love love love when you gotta Bravo...opera curtain calls may be my favorite thing in the world

---

I didn't hear Katya K...it sounds like it was great! I like that the Lyric has always done Janacek (at least in recent years) in Czech. So much better.

---

Just cause I listen to it a lot: from last season's Orfeo with Stephanie Blythe. That woman is other-worldly good.

Diva -
I have followed opera for a long time - well over 50 years - but not always that closely. I'm lucky to scan two or three articles in each new Opera News. But didn't I see that the new production of Tosca was being maligned for it's rather spare scenery, rather than the actual performance? People had become accustomed to sets more real than the actual places they portrayed. A bit like representing the Magic Fire Scene with three people marching around with cigarette lighters.

Mrs Ho Ho and I saw the theater performance of Stephanie Blythe, Orfeo ed Euridice. I'm clipping in a bit of an e-mail message I sent to a friend, the night of that performance.

"The movie, by the way, is one of the Metropolitan Opera live telescasts, in this case Orpheo et Euridice (no, he didn't eat her up, that's just 'and' in French.) One of my all-time favorites, Stephanie Blythe, is a main character (Orpheo, the lead 'male' - it's a so-called 'pants' role, where a female cross-dresses for the part.) MS (now Mrs.) Blythe is a mezzo and mezzos seldom get to play the female romantic lead - though I wish she would. She is a real BBW, quite heavy and tall. I met her a few years ago at a back-stage reception at Orchestra Hall (I'm sure I told you about this) and my knees still knock together when I think of it. Standing about 3 feet away from this overpowering figure, listening to that mellifluous voice pouring over me - Oh!"

A powerhouse she was, and is - and utterly, utterly feminine. I had to gulp and do a bit of readjustment to grasp her in that pants role. Once I got past that, it was magnificent.

We are in Duluth this week, near the UMD campus. We saw a delightful production in their new auditorium, Weber Hall. It was an intro to opera by the very talented students of the Opera at UMD program. While there were many fine voices, the stand-out was a fellow of some 300 lb., singing in a vignette from Manon, in which Des Grieux is attempting (unsuccessfully) to resist the memory and blandishments of Manon.

So help me, he reminded me of Stephanie Blythe, playing Orfeo.

There was a reception line following the performance. I mentioned my observation to him, adding that Ms Blythe was one of my very favorites. He was not taken aback by this and seemed to appreciate it when I told him that we were sure we would hear more of him in the future.

Incidentally, they also played the scene from the Magic Flute, in which Tamino is accosted and subdued by the three spear-carrying Ladies in Waiting to the Queen, who then promptly all fall in love with him, (and all over him) in a most demonstrative way! These ladies would have won the heart of any FA here, and I think that Mrs Ho Ho could feel my heart bouncing off my chest wall as I watched (and imagined!)

Ah, opera! And some think it dull.

[liz (di-va)]

Met Saturday broadcasts start today! Il Trittico!

[minerva]

I had not realized that this thread was here. Adore opera, hate the tight seats, and love the Met Opera theater broadcasts (although I hate hate hate the length of the intermissions, particularly on the Wednesday night rebroadcasts, which I usually attend. Why do we need 20 minutes intermissions in the movie theater, with 10 minutes interviews on either side? Can't they cut those down during the encore presentations? Ugh.)

Anyway, I got to see the Met's Turandot last month in the theater. I was terribly sick with a cold at the time, but it was pretty spectacular.

And last summer, I was lucky enough to see the Cincinnati Opera's production of Ainadamar by Osvaldo Golijov, with Dawn Upshaw singing the role Golijov wrote for her - Margarita Xirgu. It was a miminalist production, with the orchestra on stage between the performers and chorus, but it was really gorgeous - absolutely riveting. I bought nosebleed seats (never, never again - not at the Cincinnati Music Hall, anyway) that were really uncomfortable, but I was still so riveted. If anyone has the chance to see it, I really, really recommend Ainadamar.

[tonynyc]

I love the Fat Asses in Opera

[liz (di-va)]

The Golijov sounds amazing, Minerva...thank you for the headsup. I have the Ayre album with Dawn Upshaw. Haven't heard Ainadamar.

I don't like the long intermissions either. They are cheesy! Often. As well as long. Feels like part of how they're trying to sell the whole thing, and makes less sense in the middle of it...

[jewels_mystery]

I so missed this thread some how. I love Opera and haven't been to one in years. I am going to see Les Contes d’Hoffmann this Saturday.

[Ho Ho Tai]

Originally Posted by minerva

And last summer, I was lucky enough to see the Cincinnati Opera's production of Ainadamar by Osvaldo Golijov, with Dawn Upshaw singing the role Golijov wrote for her - Margarita Xirgu. It was a miminalist production, with the orchestra on stage between the performers and chorus, but it was really gorgeous - absolutely riveting. I bought nosebleed seats (never, never again - not at the Cincinnati Music Hall, anyway) that were really uncomfortable, but I was still so riveted. If anyone has the chance to see it, I really, really recommend Ainadamar.

Minerva -

I've practically hung on Dawn Upshaw's every word and note, ever since her startling performance in Gorecki's 3rd Symphony. I was delighted when she was made an Artistic Partner by our local (but widely known) St. Paul Chamber Orchestra. We attend a number of performance by this organization every year, and never miss anything featuring Dawn Upshaw, Golijov, or their joint efforts. Thanks to this pair, I have been made aware of a whole universe of thought and poetry that I never dreamed existed.

However, it is to my shame (and I don't know how this could be) that I was not aware of Ainadamar until you brought it to my attention. The link takes you to a synopsis on Golijov's website. It has not been performed in this area, but I see that there recordings of it, which I will have to investigate.

The synopsis is devastating in the events described. I shudder whenever I hear the words 'fascist regime' because it is no longer something that just happens elsewhere. There may be a fascist regime coming to a neighborhood near you (especially if you live near Wall Street.)

[minerva]

I so missed this thread some how. I love Opera and haven't been to one in years. I am going to see Les Contes d’Hoffmann this Saturday.

Oh! I am so excited about Les Contes d'Hoffman! I've never seen anything by Offenbach. I'm half-way through The Life and Opinions of Tomcat Murr, which is ETA Hoffman's masterpiece. I picked it up just to have some ETA Hoffman background before going to see Les Contes d'Hoffman. I hope you have a fantastic time. I think I'm going to the encore performance in January as I'll be busy this Saturday.

However, it is to my shame (and I don't know how this could be) that I was not aware of Ainadamar until you brought it to my attention. The link takes you to a synopsis on Golijov's website. It has not been performed in this area, but I see that there recordings of it, which I will have to investigate.

The synopsis is devastating in the events described. I shudder whenever I hear the words 'fascist regime' because it is no longer something that just happens elsewhere. There may be a fascist regime coming to a neighborhood near you (especially if you live near Wall Street.)

I love Gorecki's Third - it is such a fantastic piece, and I'm envious of your local access to Dawn Upshaw. She's great. AS for Ainadamar, I don't believe that any opera companies in the States are scheduled to put on a performance in early 2010, but hopefully it will be on the schedule somewhere in the '10-'11 season. I left the theater with tears streaming down my face. Mind you, I cry easily - I always cry during La Boheme - but Ainadamar had me crying crying. And although it was an unusual piece, the audience seemed really into it. I heard more than one person thanking a friend/relative for persuading them to attend as we left.

[sweet&fat]

Originally Posted by jewels_mystery

I so missed this thread some how. I love Opera and haven't been to one in years. I am going to see Les Contes d’Hoffmann this Saturday.

OOOH! I'm so excited for this one! Going to see it on the 23rd. Can't wait!

I also really want to see The Nose in March. Sets by one of my favorite artists, William Kentridge. Should be amazing.

http://www.metoperafamily.org/metope....aspx?id=10378

Also, a friend and I are going to try to get those weekday rush tickets for upcoming performances... 20 bucks for a 200 dollar orchestra seat... not bad!

[liz (di-va)]

what did you think, Jewels? I listened to it (thought it sounded great)

[sweet&fat]

Seeing Tales of Hoffmann tonight. Very excited! Please tell me what you thought, ladies!

[jewels_mystery]

I loved it and brought tears to my eyes. I am actually taking a friends to see the encore next month.

[liz (di-va)]

Netrebko/Villazon La Boheme on Great Performances this weekend...fun.

[sweet&fat]

Originally Posted by sweet&fat

Seeing Tales of Hoffmann tonight. Very excited! Please tell me what you thought, ladies!

Originally Posted by jewels_mystery

I loved it and brought tears to my eyes. I am actually taking a friends to see the encore next month.

It was fantastic- lovely singing. Callejas sang Hoffmann, and his voice is really gentle yet powerful. Rachele Gilmore sange Olympia instead of Kathleen Kim and blew everyone's socks off. Such an adorable yet difficult song, and she did a magnificent job. Applause and bravas for a good three minutes or so.

In an unrelated note got tickets for Handel's Partenope at the City Opera for April. I'm not familiar with this one- has anyone seen a production of it before? However, I'm not looking forward to smushing myself into the CO seats- much smaller than those at the Met! Ouch.

[minerva]

As long as the weather cooperates (we keep getting just enough snow to make the roads treacherous, particularly on my hill after dark!), I am off to the HD encore of the Tales of Hoffman on Wednesday and am really looking forward to it.

[minerva]

It was fantastic- lovely singing. Callejas sang Hoffmann, and his voice is really gentle yet powerful. Rachele Gilmore sange Olympia instead of Kathleen Kim and blew everyone's socks off. Such an adorable yet difficult song, and she did a magnificent job. Applause and bravas for a good three minutes or so.

I saw Hoffman tonight and it was so spectacular. I'd never seen/heard it before, and I was blown away. I've read some ETA Hoffman (and some Robertson Davies - The Lyre of Orpheus features both the ghost of ETA Hoffman and a whole bunch of people trying to complete a fragment opera written by Hoffman) so I was ready for the weirdness, but I'm not sure I was ready for the rich frission w/r/t Offenbach and Hoffman - and I adored the louche, roccoco vibe of the production. And Kate Lindsey - I loved her presence as much as her voice. I think I want to marry her.

[fat9276]

I have a fat a** and love opera.. Cecilia Bartoli is one of my fave mezzo-sopranos... I actually have studied it and sing it a bit I loved learning the italian language, inflections, intonations etc. My teacher in college was superb and eccentric and had huge boobs (speakers, she called them.. "speakers out girls") hahahaha

I also had the BEST choir teacher in highschool.. my gosh I still love him... I have always wanted to write him and tell him how much he inspired and taught me!

This is for him... a french song we sang for chamber choir my Jr. year (my favorite song from chamber choir)

Mon coeur se recommande à vous,
Tout plein d'ennui et de martyre;
Au moins en dépit des jaloux
Faites qu'à Dieu vous puisse dire!
Ma bouche qui voulait sourire
Et conter propos gracieux
Ne fait maintenant que maudire
Ceux qui m'ont banni de vos yeux.

[Ho Ho Tai]

Originally Posted by minerva

I saw Hoffman tonight and it was so spectacular. I'd never seen/heard it before, and I was blown away. I've read some ETA Hoffman (and some Robertson Davies - The Lyre of Orpheus features both the ghost of ETA Hoffman and a whole bunch of people trying to complete a fragment opera written by Hoffman) so I was ready for the weirdness, but I'm not sure I was ready for the rich frission w/r/t Offenbach and Hoffman - and I adored the louche, roccoco vibe of the production. And Kate Lindsey - I loved her presence as much as her voice. I think I want to marry her.

OK Minerva - It happens very seldom that someone has me fleeing to the dictionary over an unfamiliar word, let alone twice in one post, even though I'm half French. Congrats!

We saw the encore presentation last night too. While I am reasonably familiar with opera, I had been guilty of dismissing 'Hoffman' as something of a light farce and totally missing the passionate depth, made visible in the production (not to mention the captions!) . As the opera progressed, I found myself more and more embedded in Hoffman's successive attempts to find love, feeling uneasy as I realized how closely they paralleled my own. I finally yielded to tears during the epilogue, when Hoffman's muse points out that Stella embodies each and every one of Hoffman's other loves - and that my 'Stella' was sitting right there beside me.

Of course, I fell in love with Kathleen Kim (who almost channels our energetic Vietnamese housekeeper) and Anna Netrebko, who was just plain gorgeous. Ekaterina Gubanova? Not my type, I'm afraid.

But my favorite? Without doubt, Kate Lindsey, in no small part because she reminded me so much of a favorite Star Trek Next Gen character, Vash (in "Captain's Holiday", played by Jennifer Hetrick.)

Silly me!

A rather interesting, though not quite convincing, review and ramble showed up on my daily ArtsJournal e-mail under the title "Hark: Herald Angels and Hoffmann". I offer it for your amusement.

[fat9276]

oh I forgot to add.. for the last 10 years or so I have been into "new age" opera...

I discovered french singer Emma Shapplin 7 or 8 years ago... her album Carmine Meo is spine tingling, especially Reprendo Mai Piu... such sorrow pours out of this music and her voice is like pure crytal

her background story is pretty cool too (she is also drop dead gorgeous)

http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.n...256E800007C1A8

[Ho Ho Tai]

Opera star Daniela Dessi walks out after Zeffirelli calls her fat

[LillyBBBW]

Originally Posted by Ho Ho Tai

Opera star Daniela Dessi walks out after Zeffirelli calls her fat

Yay Dessi! Good for you sticking up for yourself. Storming off stage and taking your husband with you? :drools: You are nearly a deity in stature for this.

I especially loved reading the comments. One of them about a brawl that broke out at a production of Don Giovanni in Rome. Wonderful! Thanks for posting this Ho Ho Tai.

[liz (di-va)]

Appreciate very much the link too! Wot an idjit.

[LillyBBBW]

Originally Posted by liz (di-va)

Appreciate very much the link too! Wot an idjit.

Liz, you have a thin doppelgänger! Last night at rehearsal we had a visitor sitting in on the session in the chorus room. She sat in back of the Narrator Chorus with an open score in her lap following along. I don't know who she was but she stayed for the whole thing. I thought, "DAMN I wish I had my camera." No you weren't exact twins but the resemblence was strong. I nearly gave myself whiplash when I spied her back there with her chestnut brown tresses. You are the better lookin' of the two of course. If you felt a shiver in your spine it was me thinking about you during rehearsal and giggling wickedly.