I was at the Opera today. On offer this afternoon, a Met Opera performance of Christof Gluck's Iphigénie en Tauride which was being simulcast from New York to theatres all over the world.
This was my first exposure to Opera by Gluck. I've heard of many other works by many other composers, but although I've heard of Gluck, I've not heard (until today) of an opera which he composed. In general, this one falls in the category of tragedies, and the musical score is relatively simple (purposely done I think, in order to emphasize the dark character of the play).
The second half was more musically sophisticated than the first, but the drama was dark right from the get go. It's not often that exposure to the Opera is afforded those of us who live in this part of the world, so we'll find it and celebrate it whenever it is available. Thankfully, there are many other opportunities for arts and culture though, including live theatre, symphony concerts, and even smaller more intimate affairs such as chamber recitals and choral music performances, to say nothing of the various concerts of other genres.
Arts and culture are alive and well!
This was my first exposure to Opera by Gluck. I've heard of many other works by many other composers, but although I've heard of Gluck, I've not heard (until today) of an opera which he composed. In general, this one falls in the category of tragedies, and the musical score is relatively simple (purposely done I think, in order to emphasize the dark character of the play).
The second half was more musically sophisticated than the first, but the drama was dark right from the get go. It's not often that exposure to the Opera is afforded those of us who live in this part of the world, so we'll find it and celebrate it whenever it is available. Thankfully, there are many other opportunities for arts and culture though, including live theatre, symphony concerts, and even smaller more intimate affairs such as chamber recitals and choral music performances, to say nothing of the various concerts of other genres.
Arts and culture are alive and well!
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