I Puritani and the screens at the Wiener Staatsoper

Going to the opera is one of my favorite hobbies and what better place to do so than the Wiener Staatsoper? I consider myself a regular visitor and by far I have seen a great variety of operas. For the longest time, however, I was not able to go an see a performance (half a year if I have to be precise) but on Sunday I was back at my second home for I Puritani.

Fidelio for the 4th time!

On Friday I had the chance to go and see Fidelio at the Vienna state opera for the 3^rd time already. The first time I have seen the opera was in Volksoper back in 2015. I was pleasantly surprised with the amazing performance of Peter Seiffert and Camilla Nylund. If you are not familiar with the opera life in Vienna this is one of the most loved operas that the Viennese have the pleasure to see. As you can imagine the room is always full and at the end of each aria you would always hear the loud “Bravo!” and why not accompanied by a whistle or two. Every time I have been at the Vienna state opera for this performance it is the same procedure.

Since I have already seen the performance several times, there was no surprise with regards to the staging of the opera. Otto Schenk’s staging, as usual, is conservative and sticks with the era and flair of the epoch. In comparison to the colorful decors at Volksoper, which although cheerful sometimes looking cheap, here the gray and brown tones are in plenty. It is easy to imagine that one is in a Spanish dungeon while watching the poor Florestan lying on the floor helpless.

The performance of the two stars of the night – Peter Seiffert and Camilla Nylund, was impeccable. I have seen Seiffert perform in Tristan und Isolde as well as in Die Walküre and as usual, he was amazing. It was obvious that in the end, the audience was ecstatic after bursting in a long-awaited applause. Beethoven’s one and only opera can really touch the soul, just close your eyes and you are in another world.

I can only recommend the opera if you haven’t seen it yet and if you have – you know very well what I mean. The next performances will be on the 30^th of May and 2^nd of June so don’t hesitate – give it a try!

Enjoy!

Eugen Onegin

It has been a long time since I had some spare time to enjoy an opera, but I had been planning last night for a while now so that I would not miss it. You should know that one of my very favorite composers is Tchaikovsky, however, I enjoy opera more than anything else, so when I know one of his operas is coming up on the program I just cannot skip it.

Eugen Onegin is an opera, which retells the plot of Pushkin‘s novel in a more reverse way. As a contrast to the famous  book, in the opera, the audience is able to see Tatjana’s  perspective instead of Onegin’s. If you haven’t read the novel I’ll just tell you in a few sentences what is it about.

(Anna Netrebko as Tatjana)

(This is a very condensed representation of the plot and I am skipping a lot of the details)

Tatjana and her sister – Olga are country girls, who live with their mother and their servant. Olga is in love with Lenski and he loves her back, however, this is not the case for Tatjana, who is in love with Eugen, neighbor and friend of Lenski. After tormenting herself for a while, Tatjana decides to tell Onegin about her feelings, but he pushes her away, by giving her a moral lecture and telling her he has only brotherly feelings for her. Later on, all of them go to a ball, where Olga dances the whole night with Onegin. Lenski is outraged by her behavior and out of jealousy suggests duel between him and Onegin (and as you can imagine – Lenski gets killed). The story then skips several years where Eugen travels on a ship and Tatjana marries Prince Gremin, a rich and respected man by the court. They organize a ball, where Onegin is invited. From the moment he sees Tatjana he falls in love with her – he has never seen her so graceful and poised. He decides to tell her his feelings and she admits that she still has feelings for him too. Still, she would never be his, she is married and she will stay true to her husband.

As far as staging and performance go, I cannot be happier with the work of the Vienna State Opera. I have seen the opera already four times, one of which with Anna Netrebko last year and it is always stunning. This year the cast includes Olga Bezsmertna (Olga), Christopher Maltman (Eugen Onegin), Pavol Breslik (Lenski) and Mika Kares debut (Prince Gremin). I was very pleased with the performances and I enjoyed, even more, the playing of the Wiener Philharmoniker, who always manage to touch my soul with their music. The pieces in the end of the second act and the whole third act can get underneath your skin and leave you trembling. Plus the plot is dramatic enough to make you quite emotional.

The staging is also done in a very interesting manner, it is somewhere on the verge between modernity but still does not bail on tradition. It is very simplistic, yet, the two scenes with the ballrooms are quite impressive. Those are also livelier and packed with action in comparison to the other parts of the opera.

The music is flowing and the performance of all of the singers last night was outstanding. A personal favorite of mine is the polonaise in the third act so keep your ears open for that. Also, the Lenski’s aria “Kak shchastliv , kak shchastliv!”  tells you about the heart tremble of this young man, which for those of you who speak Russian, would admit is very moving.

To wrap it all up, I cannot recommend this opera more and I feel that you will not be disappointed if you give it a try. It doesn’t matter if you have never seen an opera or you are already a long-time fan like me, I think this one is ideal for everyone’s taste.

Enjoy!

(c) Wiener Staatsoper / Michael Pöhn

My 75th opera -Cavalleria Rusticana

Okay by the title you probably already think that this is not only my 75th opera, but probably I am 75 years old already and why not – even older. Well, let me disappoint you – I am just one big fan of opera and classical music although I have nothing to do with it professionally.

These days I got the itch to write something – anything. Well, what better than an update to my blog. Even though the Vienna State Opera is having its long awaited summer break the opera house at my hometown is far from slowing down. Of course, it is not so glamorous and posh as it is back in Vienna, however, it is nice to know that you have choices during the summer to go and see an opera or two. 

Five rules to keep in mind when going to the opera

There are a few rules for a good behavior at the opera house, however, there are always people who find it difficult to follow them.

Rule number 1: Dress decently

No, you should not come with a ball gown and a hair up-do, but still you are attending an opera – leave your flip-flops, sneakers, shorts and tank tops at home this is not the beach. I know that there are lots of tourists that love to visit the opera and there is nothing wrong with that. Still, if you know that you are going to see a performance that night be sure to either go and change before you come or wear something appropriate.

Rule number 2: No talking

This is a crucial rule. During the performance no talking is allowed or tolerated especially by the regular visitors. If you have something to say wait for the end of the performance or if it is really urgent make it as quite as possible and so as not to bother the other people around you.

Actually Seeing Tosca

So if you follow the Opera life in Vienna you would know that one of the biggest events this season was Tosca starring Jonas Kaufmann and Angela Gheorghiu. I have never seen such a line in my life for an opera performance. I have been to all-time favorite operas such as the works of Wagner or performances of great singers like Netrebko and Domingo but never have I seen before so many people like this time. I went there at around twelve o’clock at noon and there were so many people already waiting. I can never be sure of the number but probably I would not exaggerate if I say 150.

I would be a liar if I say that I was not disappointed and that I did not reconsider multiple times leaving. I cherish opera, not the singers. They come and go. I am completely aware that hearing amazing voices combined with such divine music is worth every minute of waiting but when you have to suffer discomfort throughout the whole opera you are just deprived of the full pleasure there is.

At first we were waiting only outside and maybe four hours later they finally opened the doors. I have decided that if I make it inside I would stay but if not I would leave and just feel bad afterwards. I made it really close, there were just fifteen people after me and then it was – the door. It was the first time that I have waited so long and it was truly an adventure. Once I got my card and finally got to see how many people were there exactly before me I got a headache and I am not even joking.

After I got my place I was a bit relieved and finally had a bit of a break from all the waiting. It was time to prepare myself for what I was about to witness. The opera was really one of a kind. I am repeating myself but – I have never seen such a thing. What was the first surprise for the night was that after the “E lucevan le stelle” when Kaufmann stopped singing the whole room burst into clapping. I think it was a total of five minutes applause, accompanied by lots of “Bravo” and “Bis”. Maybe one or two minutes passed and the poor guy had to sit down to wait all of the clapping to stop. Of course he knew what the audience wanted – a “da capo” or in simple words – to sing it again and so he did.

What was funny, however, was that right after his part, Tosca (Gheorghiu) was supposed to come up on the stage. Well, she was nowhere to be seen. As the staging is quite old, everyone knows which part comes after the other, so most of the people were also wandering where she was. Then Kaufmann just suggested starting from the top and I promise you that is something you don’t see that often at the Staatsoper. I have always perceived the Vienna State Opera as an institution, deprived of emotion, reserved for high-class society or for huge music fans who do not dare share any kind of emotional utterances throughout a performance – that is saved for the end. It is as if people have the masque of seriousness and nothing should ever happen to take this masque off. Well, that night it did, people let go of all boundaries and everyone in the room felt so close because they had the feeling that what was happening on stage was real.

I am not sure myself, whether that was a good thing or not. For me, personally, what happens on stage is like a magic. It is almost something out of this world and I guess somehow this experience took off the veil of mystery and made it more approachable for us – the “commoners” in the audience.

The opera ended with huge success, no matter if there were some funny happenings during the evening. I must admit that not seeing the performance would have been a huge mistake. All the waiting, time and effort have paid off in the end and I could not be happier that I did.

I can only say try it – you will Enjoy it!

Why I couldn’t see “Tosca” last night

So if you follow the program at the Vienna State Opera you would know that they are staging “Tosca” for a third time this season. I’ve been to the first two ones and I thought to myself today – okay, it is Saturday why not go to the opera. Every time if I have nothing to do over the weekend, I check if there is an interesting opera. Don’t get me wrong – for the things that I want to see at all costs I plan my time and the day when I want to see it in advance but for such spontaneous stops at the opera I rarely do.

I must admit that I knew that today’s “Tosca” will be special. I really love the opera as it is but today Jonas Kaufmann and Angela Gheorghiu. Both of them are really big names when it comes to the opera stage. I enjoy the opera every time because of the beautiful music, the dramatic plot and also the first time I saw “Tosca” I was back in my hometown and the staging here really reminds me a lot of the one from my childhood. I should also say that I was interested to see Kaufmann since I have never heard him sing live.

For all those reasons I decided to go maybe three hours in advance. Well, that was just way too late. I think I was there at 16.10 o’clock and the line was up to Hotel “Sacher” already. I cannot describe the disappointment that I felt when I saw so many people at a relatively early hour. I have never had this experience of giving up the waiting just because the line was too long. I have seen Anna Netrebko and Placido Domingo by choosing the standing places option and it has always worked good enough but not this time.

Another reason why I went at this hour is that I saw the first performance of “Tosca” last year in the autumn and it was with Roberto Alagna, another renowned singer, especially popular in France. I went even later and there was almost no one waiting outside. One explanation I could possibly find is that most of the people decided to see the opera only once this season and they decided for the option with Kaufmann.

My only consolation is that it will come once more and I hope I will be able to have a decent place next time. I’ll let you know how it went. ‘Till then Enjoy! the spring days that are upon us.

Roméo et Julliete

Last week I went to see the Romeo and Juliette opera but right on the next day I felt utterly sick and did not have a chance to share my experience with you. I went there with a friend of mine because she is a sucker for romantic plots just like me. As soon as I told her I am going, she immediately decided to tag along which was nice especially when you know you are going to wait for a while before the performance.

We were there quite early and still there were so many people that I couldn’t help but felt rather desperate – I thought we have no chance in getting good places. However, nothing is decided till the moment you buy your ticket and eventually everything turned out pretty well in the end.

I was stunned by the fact how many people were there before us since I did not expect it at all. Normally, the cases when a huge crowd gathers at the standing places are not that many. One of those can be if on the same night is the premier of the opera which was not the case (or if it is a premier for the season), another reason is if there is somebody extremely famous that is either singing or conducting. I have witnessed queues of hundreds of people for Ana Netrebko or Plácido Domingo for example.  The last thing that can lead to an extremely long waiting is if the opera is particularly favored among the regular visitors at the Vienna State Opera. Such productions are always operas from Wagner, very famous pieces, when tourists also come along or Fidelio which is the all-time favorite.

After we managed to mark our places we headed for a little break and after some time passed, returned. We were talking, as two Asian girls approached our seats and tried to stand next to us. Warning! That is not to be done in any occasion. As long as you haven’t marked your place you have no business trying to squish in between people needless to say without asking as well. I felt rather outraged since we’ve waited for so long and these girls, with no shame, just tried to push us in. I asked if they intended to stay where they were, because of course they could’ve been standing there just to take pictures but no, they thought it is okay to come five minutes before the performance starts and get one of the best places there are – well my dear friends, that is not how it works.

After this little mishap the opera began. And let me tell you, it was much, much more that I have expected. This particular performance included Juan Diego Flórez, who was playing the part of Romeo, and sang beautifully as usual. He is taking part in quite a lot of productions this year. Earlier this season he was singing in Rigoletto, now Romeo and Juliette and later on in Don Pasquale.

Also the staging was so beautiful that I was quite honestly shocked. I had to check after that when was the last premier and it is more than ten years old which is rather surprising. It was a magic of color and sounds, so harmonized and balanced that leaves you breathless. Of course as you know the story is really dramatic and don’t worry if you end up sobbing, I sure did. My favorite music parts were the overture and Juliette’s “Non, non, ce n’est pas le jour”. So if you are wondering whether to see it or not, go and listen to those two pieces and I think it will help make up your mind pretty quickly.

Enjoy!

(c) Roméo et Julliete/ wiener-staatsoper.at

Cosi Fan Tutte – Mozart

Yesterday I found myself at the opera again. What is better than to enjoy some beautiful music in a pleasant atmosphere far off chores and worries. I have two exams coming up soon and I really needed some time off studying. I tend to isolate myself quite a bit when it comes to exams and prefer to stay at home and work than go out. But sometimes you just have enough of that and you need something to distract you – then instead of watching a movie at home I grab my coat and go for an opera.

La Traviata in Volksoper

Last night I saw the performance of La Traviata in Volksoper. It has been running for some time now and I never had the time to check it out. Since it is already winter break I decided that I have to make the most of my Friday night and pay a visit. Since I have seen the performance at Staatsoper I was not expecting to be so pleased with the performance.