Opera, anyone?
- Thread starter Seattle Zack
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raphy said:
I tried it once, even had running in tandem with IE. It was going well for a while, until the whole lot crashed and it corrupted IE for me.
Nice.
Lou
Icingsugar
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No mention of Firebird?raphy said:
And you call yourself a geek. Hah!
Ok, back to Carmen now...
Seattle Zack
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Thanks to everyone who posted, my computer blew a head gasket the morning after my last post and I haven't been online since (can't check out Lit at work, you know, it's a porn site after all...).
Thanks for the link, Perdita, that will help me to know what's going on. We're going at the end of the month, 27th if I remember correctly .... damn tickets were more than the scalpers charge for box seats when the Red Sox are in town.
I do like MathGirl's suggestions about the foam hat, but I'm leaning towards the face paint and one of those big multi-colored wigs. Probably won't be passing any doobies around in the admissions line, though, like the midnight showing of "Return of the King" we attended. Too bad.
So, no kicking, fidgeting, chewing gum, standing up .... I suppose holding the lighter over the head (like during the encore rendition of "Freebird") is out of the question too. I'll just do my best to follow along on my scoresheet, or whatever it is. Do they have vendors that go up and down the aisles, or is it best just to tank up during intermission?
She's really excited about going, as I said before, but she's still afraid that she won't fit in with the 'opera crowd,' whatever that is. I bet everything will be fine once we get there, and I'm sure I'll be the envy of all the old henpecked married guys. She's been shopping constantly for the last week and I expect that will continue up to several hours before the show (Good Lord, this woman subscribes to a magazine called Lucky ... anyone ever seen that? It's a magazine about shopping ... I'll never understand women).
No, I'll behave, and sit through it, and maybe get laid as a result. Hell, I've sat through a Detroit Tigers game that lasted nearly five hours and ended 0-1, so how bad can it be?
--Zack
Thanks for the link, Perdita, that will help me to know what's going on. We're going at the end of the month, 27th if I remember correctly .... damn tickets were more than the scalpers charge for box seats when the Red Sox are in town.
I do like MathGirl's suggestions about the foam hat, but I'm leaning towards the face paint and one of those big multi-colored wigs. Probably won't be passing any doobies around in the admissions line, though, like the midnight showing of "Return of the King" we attended. Too bad.
So, no kicking, fidgeting, chewing gum, standing up .... I suppose holding the lighter over the head (like during the encore rendition of "Freebird") is out of the question too. I'll just do my best to follow along on my scoresheet, or whatever it is. Do they have vendors that go up and down the aisles, or is it best just to tank up during intermission?
She's really excited about going, as I said before, but she's still afraid that she won't fit in with the 'opera crowd,' whatever that is. I bet everything will be fine once we get there, and I'm sure I'll be the envy of all the old henpecked married guys. She's been shopping constantly for the last week and I expect that will continue up to several hours before the show (Good Lord, this woman subscribes to a magazine called Lucky ... anyone ever seen that? It's a magazine about shopping ... I'll never understand women).
No, I'll behave, and sit through it, and maybe get laid as a result. Hell, I've sat through a Detroit Tigers game that lasted nearly five hours and ended 0-1, so how bad can it be?
--Zack
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I am loving this thread . . .
though at times I'm a bit frightened! (a big foam FINGER???)
Zack - please pay close attention to everything perdita said. You'll have a much better time (and so will the people around you).
And to reiterate, you must be on time or you won't be seated until a break (end of scene, end of act, intermission, etc). It is a terrific rule - prevents "tardy" folks from bothering others already watching the performance.
You'll also notice a wide variety of audience attire. I've seen everything from tuxedos to blue jeans. Opera is really more mainstream these days.
I love Carmen. The first time I saw it was when our foreign language classes in high school attended a special performance sung in English. Tragic - sad - good music - and all of us high school chickies were in love with Don Jose!
I've seen it since, but I've never forgotten the first time. The story is easy to follow, the music is gorgeous (live orchestral music is so powerful) and the characters are drawn big and bold. And at the end, when Carmen spurns Don Jose for the matador after he has given up everything for her (and you keep hearing the crowd singing the Toreador song in the background) his anguish and frustration are overwhelming. Of course he prevents her from leaving him, uses his knife, then cradles her and sings of her beauty as she dies in his arms.
Great stuff.
though at times I'm a bit frightened! (a big foam FINGER???)
Zack - please pay close attention to everything perdita said. You'll have a much better time (and so will the people around you).
And to reiterate, you must be on time or you won't be seated until a break (end of scene, end of act, intermission, etc). It is a terrific rule - prevents "tardy" folks from bothering others already watching the performance.
You'll also notice a wide variety of audience attire. I've seen everything from tuxedos to blue jeans. Opera is really more mainstream these days.
I love Carmen. The first time I saw it was when our foreign language classes in high school attended a special performance sung in English. Tragic - sad - good music - and all of us high school chickies were in love with Don Jose!
I've seen it since, but I've never forgotten the first time. The story is easy to follow, the music is gorgeous (live orchestral music is so powerful) and the characters are drawn big and bold. And at the end, when Carmen spurns Don Jose for the matador after he has given up everything for her (and you keep hearing the crowd singing the Toreador song in the background) his anguish and frustration are overwhelming. Of course he prevents her from leaving him, uses his knife, then cradles her and sings of her beauty as she dies in his arms.
Great stuff.
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Guest
Guest
Zack, I've been to operas in Seattle (the Ring cycle). Most opera houses, incl. Seattle's, have super-titles projected above the proscenium arch or there abouts. You'll follow the story fine, they work just like subtitles.
As for clothing go as you are. Seriously. I like to dress up but in sophisticated SF no one looks askance at very casual outfits. I've posted this before - at one opening night here I came upon 'buns of steel'. Their owner wore only leather chaps and was totally bare behind (well, he had boots and a vest too, and some oddly placed jewelry).
Have a good time, and please report back.
Perdita
As for clothing go as you are. Seriously. I like to dress up but in sophisticated SF no one looks askance at very casual outfits. I've posted this before - at one opening night here I came upon 'buns of steel'. Their owner wore only leather chaps and was totally bare behind (well, he had boots and a vest too, and some oddly placed jewelry).
Have a good time, and please report back.
Perdita
A7inchPhildo
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Zack,
I love the symphony, I enjoy a good musical, even like the ballet. To be honest the Opera is a mathematical equation. Counting down how many seconds of your life has passed to get what you really came for when it is over.
Just remember it aint really over until the FAT lady sings!
Perdita is correct it is not proper etiquette to even breath loud. But if the girl next to you has a short leather skirt on, it may be necessary to tie your shoes often.
Many times there is a certain dress code that must be adhered to moderately. You should call ahead to find out any rules that may apply. Leather clothing just might be a mistake, more so for you than her.
I love the symphony, I enjoy a good musical, even like the ballet. To be honest the Opera is a mathematical equation. Counting down how many seconds of your life has passed to get what you really came for when it is over.
Just remember it aint really over until the FAT lady sings!
Perdita is correct it is not proper etiquette to even breath loud. But if the girl next to you has a short leather skirt on, it may be necessary to tie your shoes often.
Many times there is a certain dress code that must be adhered to moderately. You should call ahead to find out any rules that may apply. Leather clothing just might be a mistake, more so for you than her.
G
Guest
Guest
Phil, there is no dress code at any U.S. opera house. Leather is fine (see my last post).
Perdita
Perdita
Seattle Zack
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In all seriousness, thanks Perdita, especially for the link and the advice. No, we won't be late, of course, I'll make sure of that (no matter how many outfits she has to go through).
In a strange way, I'm almost looking forward to it. Can't be any worse than a Neil Diamond concert (except for the throwing the panties on stage part, of course).
I'll report back and let you know when I started snoring so loudly she smacked me.
--Zack
In a strange way, I'm almost looking forward to it. Can't be any worse than a Neil Diamond concert (except for the throwing the panties on stage part, of course).
I'll report back and let you know when I started snoring so loudly she smacked me.
--Zack
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My favorite opera quote?
All the ladies swoon when the tenor sings . . .
but the bass takes them home!
All the ladies swoon when the tenor sings . . .
but the bass takes them home!
A7inchPhildo
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Perdita I agree with most, but I know the one in Boston has a dress code. Of course they wouldn't allow backless pants in the entire city either. Obviously the one in Washington does not as they stated below.
From Seattle Opera website
Minding your P's & Q's
Every baseball fan knows what to do during the seventh-inning stretch. Likewise, every opera fan knows certain time-honoured traditions. Here are a few to keep in mind:
Don't be late! Unlike a movie theater, Seattle Opera does not allow latecomers to take their seats after the performance has begun. (Those who miss the curtain can still take in the show—live—on television monitors in the lobby. Latecomers can then take their seats at a suitable interval—usually intermission.)
Be a quiet audience member! There is no Dolby TM Stereo in the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall. Those are unamplified voices on stage, and some of the most dramatic moments in opera are the quietest. Please don't create noisy disruptions such as talking or rustling wrappers or programs.
Show appreciation appropriateley! Enthusiastic displays of appreciation are always welcome after a well-executed aria. If you're not exactly sure when to react, just follow the crowd. Feel free to shout "Bravo!"
Outfits
Once patronized mainly by royalty, opera today is enjoyed by people from all walks of life. You'll see opera-goers wearing everything from ball gowns to Birkenstocks. So go ahead and dress up to a special night out, or dress down for comfort. When it comes to the opera, almost anything but the most casual wear goes.
Don't Worry, Captions Flash Above the Stage
Although opera is usually performed in its original language—generally Italian, German, or French—you don't need to speak a foreign language to understand it. Seattle Opera uses English captions, a simultaneous translation of the sung words, projected above the stage during every opera performance. Even the operas sung in English are usually captioned. Why? In singing, vowels are held longer, and this distortion makes it difficult to understand every word.
Think of English captions as the subtitles in foreign movies.
Additional Reminders
Please unwrap all cough drops and candies before the curtain rises.
Please use moderation in applying perfume, cologne, or scented lotion; many people are highly allergic to perfumes.
Avoid hats that might obstruct the view of the person seated behind you.
Please, no babes in arms in the theater.
Many operas contain adult themes. Before bringing children, it is best to make sure that you feel the material is appropriate for their age or maturity level.
If bringing children, instruct them in proper audience behavior. It is also helpful to familiarize them with the story and the score so that they know what to expect.
Please turn off all beepers, cell phones, and watch alarms before entering the theater, or leave your beeper or pager at Coat Check in the lobby; an usher will alert you if you are paged. Patrons who might receive a pager call should leave their exact seating locations (section, aisle, row, seat number) so they can be easily reached.
No food or drink is allowed in the theater seating area, both to preserve the condition of the theater and to spare other patrons the noise and distraction.
The Overture is part of the performance. Please refrain from talking at this point.
Please refrain from talking, humming, singing, or beating time to the music during the performance.
Avoid kicking the back of the seat in front of you; this is very annoying, even if it is done in time to the music. Also, watch your children to prevent their doing the same.
We realize that traffic both in and out of the theater can be congested following a performance; still, it is distracting to other patrons to leave while the show is in progress. Thank you for your consideration.
From Seattle Opera website
Minding your P's & Q's
Every baseball fan knows what to do during the seventh-inning stretch. Likewise, every opera fan knows certain time-honoured traditions. Here are a few to keep in mind:
Don't be late! Unlike a movie theater, Seattle Opera does not allow latecomers to take their seats after the performance has begun. (Those who miss the curtain can still take in the show—live—on television monitors in the lobby. Latecomers can then take their seats at a suitable interval—usually intermission.)
Be a quiet audience member! There is no Dolby TM Stereo in the Marion Oliver McCaw Hall. Those are unamplified voices on stage, and some of the most dramatic moments in opera are the quietest. Please don't create noisy disruptions such as talking or rustling wrappers or programs.
Show appreciation appropriateley! Enthusiastic displays of appreciation are always welcome after a well-executed aria. If you're not exactly sure when to react, just follow the crowd. Feel free to shout "Bravo!"
Outfits
Once patronized mainly by royalty, opera today is enjoyed by people from all walks of life. You'll see opera-goers wearing everything from ball gowns to Birkenstocks. So go ahead and dress up to a special night out, or dress down for comfort. When it comes to the opera, almost anything but the most casual wear goes.
Don't Worry, Captions Flash Above the Stage
Although opera is usually performed in its original language—generally Italian, German, or French—you don't need to speak a foreign language to understand it. Seattle Opera uses English captions, a simultaneous translation of the sung words, projected above the stage during every opera performance. Even the operas sung in English are usually captioned. Why? In singing, vowels are held longer, and this distortion makes it difficult to understand every word.
Think of English captions as the subtitles in foreign movies.
Additional Reminders
Please unwrap all cough drops and candies before the curtain rises.
Please use moderation in applying perfume, cologne, or scented lotion; many people are highly allergic to perfumes.
Avoid hats that might obstruct the view of the person seated behind you.
Please, no babes in arms in the theater.
Many operas contain adult themes. Before bringing children, it is best to make sure that you feel the material is appropriate for their age or maturity level.
If bringing children, instruct them in proper audience behavior. It is also helpful to familiarize them with the story and the score so that they know what to expect.
Please turn off all beepers, cell phones, and watch alarms before entering the theater, or leave your beeper or pager at Coat Check in the lobby; an usher will alert you if you are paged. Patrons who might receive a pager call should leave their exact seating locations (section, aisle, row, seat number) so they can be easily reached.
No food or drink is allowed in the theater seating area, both to preserve the condition of the theater and to spare other patrons the noise and distraction.
The Overture is part of the performance. Please refrain from talking at this point.
Please refrain from talking, humming, singing, or beating time to the music during the performance.
Avoid kicking the back of the seat in front of you; this is very annoying, even if it is done in time to the music. Also, watch your children to prevent their doing the same.
We realize that traffic both in and out of the theater can be congested following a performance; still, it is distracting to other patrons to leave while the show is in progress. Thank you for your consideration.
G
Guest
Guest
Re: My favorite opera quote?
Perdita
Right on, Sarahh! My fave voice.sweetsubsarahh said:
Perdita
G
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Guest
Re: Re: My favorite opera quote?
My hubby is a bass.
*sigh*
perdita said:Right on, Sarahh! My fave voice.
Perdita
My hubby is a bass.
*sigh*
G
Guest
Guest
Re: Re: My favorite opera quote?
Edited 'cause I had to say it twice!
But I should add (and perdita would understand the reference) that I DID write a poem about this very thing!
But decorum prohibits me mentioning it here!
Nahh - here it is:
The Measure of a Man
by sweetsubsarahh ©
Perhaps you are familiar with the music lover's quote,
of "how all ladies swoon when e'er the tenor sings a note?"
I beg to disagree! Although he makes a joyful sound,
the bass will always be the man I want to hang around.
My musical experience allows me to be wise,
and basses tend to be most gifted; body, strength and size.
To be specific, though I love the tenor's gorgeous note,
I lose all thoughts of music with a thick cock down my throat.
So to properly complete the phrase: "when all the songs are sung,
the bass will take the woman home, and why? He's so well hung!"
Edited 'cause I had to say it twice!
But I should add (and perdita would understand the reference) that I DID write a poem about this very thing!
But decorum prohibits me mentioning it here!
Nahh - here it is:
The Measure of a Man
by sweetsubsarahh ©
Perhaps you are familiar with the music lover's quote,
of "how all ladies swoon when e'er the tenor sings a note?"
I beg to disagree! Although he makes a joyful sound,
the bass will always be the man I want to hang around.
My musical experience allows me to be wise,
and basses tend to be most gifted; body, strength and size.
To be specific, though I love the tenor's gorgeous note,
I lose all thoughts of music with a thick cock down my throat.
So to properly complete the phrase: "when all the songs are sung,
the bass will take the woman home, and why? He's so well hung!"
Last edited by a moderator:
G
Guest
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This is one of the most annoying things newcomers do. I do not hesitate to tell people to be quiet. SFO has similar 'suggestions' posted in the programs but most people do not read them.A7inchPhildo said:
Perdita
p.s. my AV is Cura and Borodina at the climax of the last act.
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Guest
Guest
Sarahh, I love the poem! Tenors are all primadonnas, my opera singer friends say they are the most neurotic, egotistical men. My favorite basses all seem more like real men to me (Escamillos, Wotans, etc.)
The love of my life was Russian and a bass. He sang to me in bed, I miss that still. He was a composer and set a poem by Pushkin, for me, to music for a bass voice and piano. I still sing it in my head but hope to find someone to sing it for me again some day. (My lover died a few years ago.)
Perdita
The love of my life was Russian and a bass. He sang to me in bed, I miss that still. He was a composer and set a poem by Pushkin, for me, to music for a bass voice and piano. I still sing it in my head but hope to find someone to sing it for me again some day. (My lover died a few years ago.)
Perdita
G
Guest
Guest
Oh, perdita -
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
To be sung to - and in bed - how beautifully romantic. What a lovely memory.
I have noticed the annoying aspects of tenors for quite awhile. Such prima donnas! The basses I knew seemed to be less concerned with their hair (or how the milk they had for breakfast affected their high notes) and more concerned with me.
Which is why I married one.
As for overtures, I have played in many, many pit orchestras. I always tell my friends and family that the overture functions as opera foreplay.
That does help them get the point!
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
To be sung to - and in bed - how beautifully romantic. What a lovely memory.
I have noticed the annoying aspects of tenors for quite awhile. Such prima donnas! The basses I knew seemed to be less concerned with their hair (or how the milk they had for breakfast affected their high notes) and more concerned with me.
Which is why I married one.
As for overtures, I have played in many, many pit orchestras. I always tell my friends and family that the overture functions as opera foreplay.
That does help them get the point!
