Mark Reece's Blog - Posts Tagged "opera"
Review- The magic flute opera
The magic flute, performed by the Welsh National Opera at the Birmingham Hippodrome, was the first opera I've seen, and I enjoyed it a lot.
The prince Tamino, who comes from the land of darkness, sets out to rescue a princess from the land of light. He is accompanied by his cowardly servant- the Bird Catcher, and has a magical flute and bells for protection, which can charm animals and people.
When reaching the land of light, the prince is captured and is put through a series of tests to determine whether he is worthy of becoming a prince of light. The land of light is an austere, somewhat regimented place with a strict educational system, in contrast to the land of darkness, which is wild and free. This conflict drives the story.
The songs were often very witty and there were some thrilling set pieces, most notably, when the queen of darkness announces her intention to destroy the land of light. The costumes and sets were also very impressive. Although I was unfamiliar with the story before watching the performance, I was able to both follow and enjoy it.
I'd gladly see another performance of this quality.
The prince Tamino, who comes from the land of darkness, sets out to rescue a princess from the land of light. He is accompanied by his cowardly servant- the Bird Catcher, and has a magical flute and bells for protection, which can charm animals and people.
When reaching the land of light, the prince is captured and is put through a series of tests to determine whether he is worthy of becoming a prince of light. The land of light is an austere, somewhat regimented place with a strict educational system, in contrast to the land of darkness, which is wild and free. This conflict drives the story.
The songs were often very witty and there were some thrilling set pieces, most notably, when the queen of darkness announces her intention to destroy the land of light. The costumes and sets were also very impressive. Although I was unfamiliar with the story before watching the performance, I was able to both follow and enjoy it.
I'd gladly see another performance of this quality.
Review- La Traviata (opera)
I recently watched a second opera by the Welsh national opera- La Traviata. With beautiful costumes, an excellent location at the Birmingham Hippodrome, and outstanding singing, it was a wonderful experience.
The story had a classical nineteenth century feel, focused around a love affair doomed by the social mores of the time, which snobbishly and hypocritically damned the central character, Violetta, who falls in love with an aristocrat.
The social satire was done with a light touch, the central character largely accepting her fate and accepting suffering as a religious virtue.
There were subtitles to enable the audience to better follow the story.
It was a great experience, and I hope the Welsh national opera return to the Hippodrome again soon.
The story had a classical nineteenth century feel, focused around a love affair doomed by the social mores of the time, which snobbishly and hypocritically damned the central character, Violetta, who falls in love with an aristocrat.
The social satire was done with a light touch, the central character largely accepting her fate and accepting suffering as a religious virtue.
There were subtitles to enable the audience to better follow the story.
It was a great experience, and I hope the Welsh national opera return to the Hippodrome again soon.
Review- Cosi fan tutte opera
Mozart's Cosi fan tutte was recently performed by the Welsh National Opera (WNO) at the Birmingham Hippodrome. The WNO regularly perform at the location, and always prove hugely entertaining.
This performance was played in a playful, lighthearted, even slapstick way, which is likely a good choice, given the triteness of the source material. The story is a trope of 18th century literature- two men dress up to test the fidelity of the fiancés, and discover 'woman's true nature'. There's a comedy value to it, but the story rarely rises above the level of farce.
On the other hand, the artistic value of the performance: the singing, the costumes, the visual jokes, were all outstanding. The four singers cast in the central roles all had incredibly powerful voices, and Rebecca Evans, playing Despina, had great comic timing and suitably silly costume changes.
I'll certainly look to watch the WNO as often as possible in the future.
This performance was played in a playful, lighthearted, even slapstick way, which is likely a good choice, given the triteness of the source material. The story is a trope of 18th century literature- two men dress up to test the fidelity of the fiancés, and discover 'woman's true nature'. There's a comedy value to it, but the story rarely rises above the level of farce.
On the other hand, the artistic value of the performance: the singing, the costumes, the visual jokes, were all outstanding. The four singers cast in the central roles all had incredibly powerful voices, and Rebecca Evans, playing Despina, had great comic timing and suitably silly costume changes.
I'll certainly look to watch the WNO as often as possible in the future.
Review- The marriage of Figaro
The reliably excellent Welsh National Opera (WNO) recently performed The marriage of Figaro at the Birmingham Hippodrome, to their usual standard. As someone who had not previously seen the opera, I found the story a little difficult to follow, but it was nevertheless hugely enjoyable.
The sets and costumes were of very high quality, contributing to the farcical tone. I hope the WNO continue to tour in Birmingham in the future.
The sets and costumes were of very high quality, contributing to the farcical tone. I hope the WNO continue to tour in Birmingham in the future.
