"This is the violet hour, the hour of hush and wonder, when the affectations glow and valor is reborn, when the shadows deepen along the edge of the forest and we believe that, if we watch carefully, at any moment we may see the unicorn."


Monday, September 27, 2010

San Francisco Opera's "Werther"

Well, seeing this opera again (after a 25 year absence) was a delightful surprise!  When it last played here, I was so young and the complex intricasies of Life, Love and Fate - hadn't really touched me.  So, when I sat down in the Opera House to witness the first rehearsal, I thought I would be bored and unmoved by the story....  HA!  What astonishment to find that I now can relate to this sad, yet powerful story. 

"Werther" (pronounced: Ver-tear) is a French Opera (Jules Massenet)...but based on a story by the brilliant German writer, Goethe.  This is a modern, hi-tech production - lasers, videos....but with just enough period authenticity to draw you in and hold you fast.  The cast....amazing...led by the astounding Mexican Tenor, Ramon Vargas.  Well sung, well acted, well conducted....all one can ask for.  The plot (in a nutshell): Boy Meets Girl, They fall in love - but - she is already engaged to another.  Girl marries her Fiance.....Boy kills himself.  Girl realises she really did love him.  Too late!


Here's a brief clip of some of the singers..



And a few photos....

At Sunday's Matinee...I stood up and gave the cast and the conductor a standing ovation.....something I rarely do......ah, Mon Dieu!  Tres Belle......Tres Triest......Tres Magnificque....
Posted by Robin at 1:47 PM
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15 comments:

  1. Annie CoeSeptember 27, 2010 at 7:12 PM

    Such a sad, tragic story! I guess there are not many happy Operas though are there...I am glad that is was beautiful and that the music was up to your standards :-).
    xoxo

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  2. Annie CoeSeptember 27, 2010 at 7:14 PM

    P.S. It is shocking how time changes us and also our minds about some things...xoxo

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  3. marianneSeptember 28, 2010 at 12:39 AM

    Sad.............
    but great for a opera story of course.
    I love it that you take us there Robin.

    PS Don't break your ankles on those (Gorgeous) shoes!!!!

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  4. studio loloSeptember 28, 2010 at 4:59 AM

    No matter how many times in life we hear this plot in operas, movies or real life, it really is so tragic. You never really know what you had until it's gone.

    Thank you for more opera education. You're my favorite teacher ;)

    xo♥

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  5. AnonymousSeptember 28, 2010 at 9:34 AM

    What a lovely evening you had. The voices were very moving especially the first one.

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  6. sukipoetSeptember 28, 2010 at 11:56 AM

    lovely voices and music. interesting how much we the listener/reader bring to a musical piece/book. how the artworks can resonate differently at different times in our lives. I think it's wonderful and it also makes it so hard to say that is good, that is not.

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  7. RobinSeptember 28, 2010 at 12:23 PM

    Annie...actually there are quite a few comic operas.... in fact, the third one in our current season "Marriage of Figaro" is delightfully funny! I will post on it when I am back from YART. But, you are SO RIGHT.....it is fascinating to see how one changes as one ages and experiences....LIFE.

    This production was powerfully glorious....and has now brought "Werther" into my favourite top ten (non-Wagnerian) operas....

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  8. RobinSeptember 28, 2010 at 12:26 PM

    Marianne... this is a sad opera....but very beautiful....and ultimately shows that is it wise to follow your heart...

    As for my "Jimmy Choos".... dear one, I will walk from the Bentley to the buffet....have a glass (or two) of Champagne....dance with Date #1, then sit down...more Champagne another dance etc. etc.... and, by the end of the Ball, I will be barefoot! Ha-ha!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  9. RobinSeptember 28, 2010 at 12:29 PM

    True words, dear Lo......although there are TWO sopranos in "Werther'.....I think you would like this opera (at least this production) and be moved by it....

    As for Mr. Vargas ("Werther").....I can't imagine a more moving, sympathetic hero.....

    I am glad you are enjoying my "Operatic Lessons"!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  10. RobinSeptember 28, 2010 at 12:30 PM

    Melanie.... that first aria IS the wonderful Ramon Vargas.... he was just heartbreakingly gorgeous...... HAD to jump to me feet to give him a "Standing O"!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  11. RobinSeptember 28, 2010 at 12:32 PM

    Suki...such wise words from a wise friend....yes, I guess it is like all things in life...as we age, we grow....and our life's experiences teach us so much that ultimately affect our understanding of all forms of art....

    Can't believe we will meet in three days!!!!!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  12. beckySeptember 28, 2010 at 3:20 PM

    Hi Robin,
    Since I'm new here... I was wondering, what exactly do you do at the opera/what is your role? Did you also work at the Opera when you were living in Santa Fe? I was just curious. I've only been to the Opera once- it was Phantom of the Opera in Portland w/ my grams.
    I'm somewhat of a hopeless romantic, so this would have gotten to me for sure!

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  13. MimSeptember 29, 2010 at 4:28 AM

    very romantic, sad, brilliant. oh to have a voice like that....

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  14. RobinSeptember 29, 2010 at 7:53 AM

    Hi Becky from one "hopeless Romantic" to another!

    I am in charge of volunteers for SF Opera who pour coffee/tea backstage for the Principal Singers, the Orchestra and Chorus. It's a fun job (wish it was salaried) - but you get to attend all the rehearsals and performances.
    My Ex once did the Supertitles for SF Opera - which is how we met. (When you see a foreign film - the translation at the bottom of the screen in English is similiar to what he does.) He still does this for Santa Fe Opera every Summer.. I hope you have a chance to attend next Summer...it is an amazing venue to see an Opera....

    Hugs,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  15. RobinSeptember 29, 2010 at 7:55 AM

    Mim, I'm so pleased you enjoyed that little "Werther" vignette! I am now a huge fan of Ramon Vargas!

    See you soon!

    Love,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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