Bassist at the Opera

I'm sure I broke my mother's heart when I adamantly announced I wanted to play rock music, not sing opera as she did.  After all, who sets out to grow up to be just like their mother?

A few weeks ago, my daughter (16) told me she wanted to study opera.  After all, who wants to grow up to be just like their mother? 

My little girl spent the third year of her life dressed like Cinderella. Her grandmother made the dress. I barely got her out of it long enough to wash the darned thing.

That gives you enough background to understand why, last week, when she asked me to take her to the Fort Worth Opera's performance of Rossini's Cinderella, I couldn't very well say no.  It had been years since I attended the opera - something I did on a regular basis as a child, but only a handful of times since flying from my parents' nest.  But, for my little girl, I'd bite the bullet, right?

Well, it was delightful!  Because her student ticket only cost $5, I was able to purchase a much better seat for myself than if I'd paid full price for both of us.  While we couldn't exactly see the whites of the performers' eyes, we didn't get nose bleeds, either. 

The scenery was brilliant! The singers were cast well for their roles and their acting was every bit as fine as their voices. (How do they make their voices do those things!?!?!)  The costumes were gorgeous. The makeup was a bit over-done on a few of the characters, perhaps adding a bit to the comedy, so I won't be too harsh there. Of course, Bass Hall is acoustically perfect. They even provided a screen just above the proscenium arch onto which English translations were projected. It was all quite enthralling and I was thoroughly entertained!

Despite the visual pageantry of the production, I had a hard time peeling my eyes away from the orchestra pit - more specifically the cellists.  Well, cellos look a lot like double basses to me.  You can stick a bassist in front of an opera, but she's still going to listen for the bass lines...and wear jeans.

Maybe I should pass on the set of CD's my mother gave me years ago, before I had kids:  Opera for People Who Hate Opera.  Except my daughter actually likes opera.  If you can keep a secret, I'll confess that I sort of do, too.

Sort of.

Tell me, when was the last time you went to an opera?  What about a different musical event you wouldn't normally attend?  Did you come away with a new perspective or appreciation you didn't expect? 

(Crappy photo taken with my iPhone.)

Comments

[Helen]

I saw an opera at my alma mater written by one of the professors, Ronald Combs. It was called "The Patriots", and it was very good. Click here for information about Dr. Combs.

[Steph @Red Clay Diaries]

Okay, first of all... This is my first visit to your "serious" blog. And your profile pic actually made me shriek out loud. Are you sure you're the same person as Carol at She Lives?

Second, I don't think I've ever gone to an opera. If I did, I probably didn't like it because I tend to block out unpleasant experiences. I think if I went today, I might enjoy it. Too bad it'd require hopping on a plane.

[Mel @ A Box of Chocolates]

I have never been to an opera, but I just may be able to do it for Cinderella. My daughter is a huge princess fan and spends more time dressed up as one of them than she does in regular clothes. I love it! I love watching her dance and sing. How great that you could spend the day with your daughter. Thanks for sharing!!

[Kim H.]

Carol,

What a wonderful post. I'm kinda steamy eyed over here -- what a beautiful mother-daughter memory!

Never been to an opera. You post definitely makes me want to go to one though.

I remember not too many years ago my hubby took me to see Wicked at the Ohio Theatre. It was incredible. I got goosebumps. I sat there with eyes glued. I got a lump. I was moved. It was wonderful. I think it was an experience I never got to have as a child that moved me so. I don't know. But yes, an opera is on my "list."

[Angelika]

I have never been to an opera. I will never go to an opera. I think I'd get a major migraine.

I'm partial to Tennessee Williams plays, myself.

[past tense of dig]

Sadly, I can not come up with a single witty and/or snide remark about opera. I feel I have let you down.