Something New (No 10) [La Boheme]

[smallhobbit]

SM and I have both followed the FutureLearn course called Inside Opera, and both thoroughly enjoyed it.  So when we had booked to come up to London this weekend (SM had originally planned to do a singing thing, but then changed his mind, but with accommodation booked, and since it was the end of half term, we weren't going to change our plans), and I found we could get cheap tickets to see La Boheme we thought this would be an ideal opportunity.

I haven't been a great fan of opera, but apart from Carmen which I've seen several times, I've only seen Aida once, and I wanted to try it out again, especially since I now knew more about what goes into a production.

It wasn't a success.  It was sung in English, so as to make it more accessible.  However, apart from a couple of characters, I couldn't understand what they were singing, so still had to rely on the surtitles, which meant I had less time to concentrate on what was happening on the stage.  So they might just have well have sung in Italian.  And the whole point of going was to follow everything.

I didn't like Rodolfo, and thought Mimi was far too healthy for someone dying of consumption (I know she would still have to sing, but she seemed to bounce everywhere).  Nadine Benjamin, as Musetta, was good, and acknowledged as such by the audience at the curtain call.  As was Simon Butteriss who played both Benoit and Alcindoro, and wasn't in the curtain call, because that was only the principals.

I thought it was just me, but SM (who knows what he's talking about) was of the same opinion.  So I shall try again.  I'd really like to hear a Mozart opera.

Comments

[scfrankles]

...and thought Mimi was far too healthy for someone dying of consumption (I know she would still have to sing, but she seemed to bounce everywhere). That did make me smile ^___^

Singing Italian opera in English made me think of Hinge and Bracket and their Rosa Charles Opera Company, which was in turn based on the Carl Rosa Opera Company. As that was founded in 1873 and staggered on to 1960, Holmes and Watson might have gone to one of their performances... (Don't mind me - I think I may have just accidentally come up with a plot bunny for the final fic in my Evadne & Hilda's Holmesian Adventures series.)

[smallhobbit]

Glad to think I've inspired you - I look forward to the non-coughing (because it upsets the pianist) Mimi.

[adafrog]

I think the thing with opera is to remember the similarly named 'soap opera.' They're dramas for the masses when there were no TVs. :) (I am an opera member )

[smallhobbit]

I'd have gone with the plot, but the singers lacked conviction as characters.

[adafrog]

Ah. That's too bad. :(

[luthienberen]

Sorry that the opera was a let down! Hopefully the next one will be more convincing. The FutureLearn course sounds good.

[smallhobbit]

The course was very good. It was disappointing about the opera, but I'll try again.

[margaret_r]

I've never been to an opera and do wonder whether I would like it or not! Pity this one wasn't so much to your taste, better luck next time:)

[smallhobbit]

I like Carmen, so if you were going to see one I'd suggest that - recognisable music, lots of action, decent plot.

I'm definitely going to see a Mozart opera at some point.