Recently a couple of my culture buddies and I took a little trip to Vancouver to take in the traditional double scoop of operatic goodness, Cavalleria Rusticana and I Pagliacci, as performed by the Vancouver Opera in the big old Queen Elizabeth Theatre. We were downright giddly(think giddy plus giggly, not a pretty sight in women of a certain age) with anticipation, having fallen in love with a recording of "Cav" I had discovered online. Mascagni's music is richly melodic and overwhelmingly beautiful and we were looking forward to being swept away by the added dimension of stage and flesh and blood. Never happened. The leads were capable enough singers, but poor actors and the staging was (literally in parts) empty and boring. It's very difficult to succeed on the many levels required to produce great live opera. We grumbled through the intermission, especially about the tenor :) What was to follow made up for it, in spades.
The familiarity of Pagliacci had dulled our expectations. How wrong we were! This was a fine production, not only in the singing. Dramatically, a compelling reality was created onstage because of the acting ability and chemistry of the players. The great aria, Vesti la Giubba was sung with dignity and pathos as befitting its context. A scene of illicit, dangerous passion between Nedda and Silvio was one of the most sensuous and transcendent moments I've even seen and heard onstage. Magic.
Pre-opera we dined at a nearby restaurant, Da Gino, which I would describe as real Italian, good, simply prepared and perfectly dressed and seasoned food in moderate portions. In the early hours of the next morning, I was sung Happy Birthday by my two buddies ( who just happen to be accomplished singers themselves). What a lovely way to get older!
A quick thanks to all my dear friends who have helped me mark yet another birthday and especially to my many November born pals, past and present. I carry you with me in my heart,always.
