It’s been on my bucket list ( the back burner one) for years, Puccini’s Turandot
But tonight a friend asked me to go with them to see it as they had been let down at the last minute .
I’m not asked very often so I jumped at the live showing of the Royal Opera House production .
Operas are often overlong, ( and this is no different ) but I loved Seok Jong Baek as the tubby Prince and
Sondra Radvanosky as Turandot and the 1980s staging was wonderfully impressive
Turandot is my favourite opera John. I do hope you enjoyed it. That last solo by Liu is heartbreaking. I'm waiting for Opera North to do it, but think it might be a while.
ReplyDeleteAlison, Leeds
I agree, Liu was the best character, her aria was lovely
DeleteWhat a wonderful opportunity, John, and am so glad your schedule allowed you to say YES at the last minute and go with your friends!
ReplyDeleteDecades ago, we saw Pavarotti in Turandot in Memphis and it was amazing and glorious! You can see him sing it in the movie "Yes, Georgio" , too.
Hugs!
Was this a live steam, maybe in a theater? Or you actually got to go to the opera house in London?
ReplyDeleteIt's a very fine opera. I admired it even before eventually seeing it live at Covent Garden in 1988 with (now Dame) Gwyneth Jones. Would love to see it on stage once more.
ReplyDeleteTurandot must be amongst the greatest operas of all time. Was this a live film of an ROH production? Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI saw this in Petworth last night. There is always a wonderful atmosphere in Leconfield Hall for the live screenings of opera and ballet. I’m still fizzing! I was lucky enough to see one of the 1984 performances at the Royal Opera House (a late stand-in for my father and of course I jumped). Back in those days I was living in Hammersmith and working in Lancaster Place and cycling everywhere. I also used to go frequently to Covent Garden as my flatmate worked in the hat and wig dept of the ROH. I still remember the gong, the masks, the beautiful dancing and of course Nessun Dorma from 1984. A few years later I was at a wedding and Vincente (who became a business partner and is still a good friend) sang Nessun Dorma during the reception completely spontaneously. Liu was a late cast change last night - and I agree her performance was pitch perfect. Turandot was so powerful and she needs to be - she carries the second act almost alone. Well done John. One day I would love to go to the ballet with you! This summer I’m going to Glyndebourne with my Fittleworth friends for the first time ever. We’re seeing Le Nozze di Figaro on the last night. Sarah in Sussex
ReplyDeleteI've never got into opera (I know, I know, I'm a philistine!), but I'm glad you got to see it with a friend. xx
ReplyDeleteI am not a huge fan of opera, but I love the music of Puccini so this one is a favorite.
ReplyDeleteI'm old enough to remember when Puccini was considered as being too 'light' to be taken seriously. It wasn't until the 1980s (I think) when I began to listen to his music on its own terms, having ditched the preconceptions I'd preciously taken on uncritically - and found that I really loved it! i.e MOST of his operas.
DeleteTurandot was one of my late husband's favorite Puccini operas. Even after almost 7 years I still find it hard to listen to "Non piangere Liu" without getting emotional.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a fantastic last-minute opportunity! Turandot is such a grand spectacle, and seeing it performed live at the Royal Opera House must have been truly immersive. The combination of powerful voices and visually striking staging always adds another layer of magic to Puccini’s work. Glad you finally got to check it off your bucket list.
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