Semele is a very sensuous opera. Apparently, Semele is the mother of Dionysus by Zeus. I will make a few observations. It is regal and cheerful. There are some spicy lyrics some of which I am too embarrased to mention, but, in Act 3, one of the quotes is, "Above measure is the pleasure." It seemed to be a very modern production, for the royals in the first act were wearing the royal bands. Speaking of clothes, it was refreshing to see a conductor in white tie. I am not quite sure what our conductors are wearing these days. A lot of string instruments. That is my most amateur review.
I would like to revise my initial, kinda lame review. First of all, the ENO did not perform a modern production based upon the royal bands. I believe that they were worn also in the 1700's. Second, we establish that Semele is in love with Jupiter, despite his pimped-out garb in Act II. For a German, and I know that this is quite a generalization, I still stand by my statement that this is a very sensuous opera. I will move on to Act II.
Semele is a very sensuous opera. Apparently, Semele is the mother of Dionysus by Zeus. I will make a few observations. It is regal and cheerful. There are some spicy lyrics some of which I am too embarrased to mention, but, in Act 3, one of the quotes is, "Above measure is the pleasure." It seemed to be a very modern production, for the royals in the first act were wearing the royal bands. Speaking of clothes, it was refreshing to see a conductor in white tie. I am not quite sure what our conductors are wearing these days. A lot of string instruments. That is my most amateur review.
ReplyDeleteI would like to revise my initial, kinda lame review. First of all, the ENO did not perform a modern production based upon the royal bands. I believe that they were worn also in the 1700's. Second, we establish that Semele is in love with Jupiter, despite his pimped-out garb in Act II. For a German, and I know that this is quite a generalization, I still stand by my statement that this is a very sensuous opera. I will move on to Act II.
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