La Fanciulla Del West

La Fanciulla Del West Met Opera Live Broadcast in HD

Some operas are better than others. I can’t say I loved this particular one. It did get better in the second and third act. However, I always learn something and find something to appreciate.

The opera had its premier at the Met in 1010. Puccini was in the audience. There was an all star cast and it was a great success. The music is still enjoyable. It just didn’t seem to have the necessary spark in the first act. Apparently this was Puccini’s favorite opera. Minnie is the main female role. Her part is quite difficult because she has several high ‘C’s’ in her arias. The only other female on stage plays a very small role. The cast of men is enormous.

The sets were fantastic and really gave the feeling of an old miner’s town in California between 1849-50.The wooden saloon was authentic and the miners looked like the scrappy fun loving men they were portraying.

I was absolutely fascinated during the intermission to watch the set changes. The stage is transformed into a mountainous wilderness with a lonely wooden cabin. It was a complicated set and required such precision in a short time. The snow falls outside the cabin and we see the hero on his horse riding up to the cabin. It was very dramatic and lovely to view. The third act also kept me watching as the stage was transformed into the main street of the town.

I love the Met Operas because of the interviews as well as the great performances. The set director was interviewed. There was even a fight director who trained the men to stage the barroom fights. There was a lot of action.

Five horses were used during the performance. The horse trainer was also interviewed and we saw the horses back stage.

I would think this is one of the few operas that have a happy ending. That was refreshing.

I continue to urge everyone to attend at least one Met Opera in high definition.

Imagine the same opera being shown in 30 countries at the same time. In Toronto and outlying areas the performances play in many auditoriums and the seats are usually all sold out. The seats are reserved so it is essential to book ahead of time. Visit the theatre well in advance to purchase tickets or you can buy them on line. Go to www.cineplex.com/events

The encore presentation is March 13.

I am so looking forward to February with 3 productions being offered.

February 12 Nixon In China

February 26 Iphigenie en Tauride