Kibbles & Bits & Opera & PUPPIES OMG
Saturday afternoon, I went to see Lucia Di Lammermoor at our local movie theater. I've seen it before, live, at the Minnesota Opera. I can safely say, even though this was not live, I preferred this one. I know it's the Met, which means this production had exponentially more money and star power. But that's not why I liked it better. This production stuck with Lucia's Scottish roots. The one I saw in MN was an interpretation that alluded to Siberia, complete with stark landscape and furs. I understand that they were trying to emphasize the emotional destitution experienced by the characters, but if it's set in 17th century Scotland, I expect kilts. Of course, the Met failed spectacularly in that respect, as well. But that's ok, because the singing was breathtaking. I almost started crying during the final "mad scene." It was gorgeous. It pretty much ensured that I will be attending all future Met operas at the movies.
Later that night, while on a quest to find lesbian operas and opera singers, I came across Patience & Sarah. It is an opera by Paula Kimper based on the book of the same name. At first, I was very excited. The premise seemed cool (and given that opera plots are mostly silly by their very nature, this one seemed downright well done). For the first act, I really enjoyed the music. It wasn't anything particularly groundbreaking, with typical 20th century sensibilities, but as the opera progressed, I found myself growing bored. There was too much repetition. I've had four hour operas fly by without noticing the time. With this two hour venture, the last hour dragged. It's mostly because it's a little too typical 20th century opera. If you haven't had a high level of exposure to modern opera, it's totally worth a watch. A warning, the libretto (lyrics) are fairly simplistic, and if you're looking for stunning poetry, it will leave something to be desired. But again, it's not bad. Many famous operas have far worse libretti. So, I'll give you the link to scope it out, and you can decide for yourself.
http://www.viddler.com/explore/paulakimper/videos/23/
And, last, but not least: MY NEW PUPPY!!! Well, ok, so not "puppy," as she's two. But she's teh awesome. She's a Lab/Jack Russell terrier mix. She basically looks like a 60 lb Jack Russell, with a bit of a Lab-y face. I've been thinking of getting another dog, as my life is kind of incomplete without one in it. For a long time, I thought I wouldn't have time for one. Then I realized that I was thinking in terms of puppies. I don't have time for a puppy. An adult dog, on the other hand? Absolutely. So, I rescued Bo'sun from the local shelter. She and Nico, my cat, get along splendidly. I wouldn't leave them alone together at the moment, but they were both sacked out on my bed earlier while I was reading for class. She's awesome. She doesn't walk particularly well yet, but we'll fix that. She's incredibly sweet, with super jumping capabilities. I came in tonight from taking out the trash and found her perched atop my kitchen table, watching me through the window.
Later that night, while on a quest to find lesbian operas and opera singers, I came across Patience & Sarah. It is an opera by Paula Kimper based on the book of the same name. At first, I was very excited. The premise seemed cool (and given that opera plots are mostly silly by their very nature, this one seemed downright well done). For the first act, I really enjoyed the music. It wasn't anything particularly groundbreaking, with typical 20th century sensibilities, but as the opera progressed, I found myself growing bored. There was too much repetition. I've had four hour operas fly by without noticing the time. With this two hour venture, the last hour dragged. It's mostly because it's a little too typical 20th century opera. If you haven't had a high level of exposure to modern opera, it's totally worth a watch. A warning, the libretto (lyrics) are fairly simplistic, and if you're looking for stunning poetry, it will leave something to be desired. But again, it's not bad. Many famous operas have far worse libretti. So, I'll give you the link to scope it out, and you can decide for yourself.
http://www.viddler.com/explore/paulakimper/videos/23/
And, last, but not least: MY NEW PUPPY!!! Well, ok, so not "puppy," as she's two. But she's teh awesome. She's a Lab/Jack Russell terrier mix. She basically looks like a 60 lb Jack Russell, with a bit of a Lab-y face. I've been thinking of getting another dog, as my life is kind of incomplete without one in it. For a long time, I thought I wouldn't have time for one. Then I realized that I was thinking in terms of puppies. I don't have time for a puppy. An adult dog, on the other hand? Absolutely. So, I rescued Bo'sun from the local shelter. She and Nico, my cat, get along splendidly. I wouldn't leave them alone together at the moment, but they were both sacked out on my bed earlier while I was reading for class. She's awesome. She doesn't walk particularly well yet, but we'll fix that. She's incredibly sweet, with super jumping capabilities. I came in tonight from taking out the trash and found her perched atop my kitchen table, watching me through the window.