Lucy Worsley's Nights at the Opera

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

Two posts appeared near-simultaneously from Barbirollians and ardcarp, both starting a new Thread on part two of this BBC2 series, and drawing attention to the fact that Music by Tchaikovsky was used to illustrate comments on ... Bayreuth!

In my attempts to merge the two Threads into one, both posts have been swallowed by a Black Hole in the cyberweb - my apologies to both, and hopes that this new Thread will be the starting point for further discussion.

[Dave2002]

All thumbs, eh!?

I recorded last night's programme, so might get round to watching it in a while. The earlier one shold still be available by catch-up services.
I didn't comment earlier, but it seems because we'd not watched, but it looks as though this thread needs bumping along.

[Stanfordian]

Potentially an interesting programme as I love everything about opera. But spoilt by the ultra annoying presenter DLW, who, as usual, makes it all about her such as constantly dressing up, all rather like a child attention seeking. Whilst in costume as she stabbed herself with that 'stage' dagger and lay on the stage floor pretending to be dead I nearly cheered. Sorry only kidding!

The programme was saved by the knowledgeable Tony Pappano highly enthusiastic but grounded. I never knew there are so many professors of music and other academics as were being wheeled out.

I wonder carries DLW's handbag or backpack as she is the only person ever seen walking city streets without one. For example where does she keep her money?

The recent programme about Jonas Kaufmann at the opera was so much better.

[ardcarp]

Two posts appeared near-simultaneously from Barbirollians and ardcarp, both starting a new Thread on part two of this BBC2 series, and drawing attention to the fact that Music by Tchaikovsky was used to illustrate comments on ... Bayreuth!

In my attempts to merge the two Threads into one, both posts have been swallowed by a Black Hole in the cyberweb - my apologies to both, and hopes that this new Thread will be the starting point for further discussion.

You have my deepest sympathy, ferney. It's a feat of prestidigitation that I rarely attempt. (Calibs is quite good at it!)
The programme itself got the usual Worsley treatment (i.e. lots of dressing up) but she's an engaging personality. The quick scoot through Puccini, Strauss and Wagner was necessarily simplified, but I guess it set the scene for many. And Papano was there too.

[DracoM]

Looking forward to missing the prog in which Lucy W and KD share the presenting.

[Stanfordian]

Looking forward to missing the prog in which Lucy W and KD share the presenting.

What! Are they bringing back 'Playschool'? But be careful many a true word said in jest!

[DracoM]

[oddoneout]

I too was more than a little puzzled by the Tchaikovsky backing to Bayreuth. These programmes will doubtless annoy many on these august platforms, whether for presenter, content or both, but as a non-opera person I have found the two watched so far interesting and, in the case of last week's 'Nabucco', useful.
Have to say though I wish I hadn't seen the last Salome clips.......

[Stanfordian]

I too was more than a little puzzled by the Tchaikovsky backing to Bayreuth. These programmes will doubtless annoy many on these august platforms, whether for presenter, content or both, but as a non-opera person I have found the two watched so far interesting and, in the case of last week's 'Nabucco', useful.
Have to say though I wish I hadn't seen the last Salome clips.......

If I may state the obvious: Yes, of course these programmes will doubtless please many on these august platforms.

I did quite enjoy the programme as I love opera but it could have been so much improved. With such a rich and fertile subject as opera why was the programme allowed to be dominated by the presenter as is so often the current vogue of the BBC. Thank goodness for the peerless contribution of Tony Pappano who saved the programme for me!

[Barbirollians]

I thought the Tchaikovsky as the background to Bayreuth was priceless - as if someone was cocking a snook deliberately at the ghastly self-importance of the place .

I have always thought every time I have seen the inside of the auditorium at Bayreuth on film that it reminds me of a Victorian prison like Lincoln and its chapel where the prisoners were in separate tiny wooden cells their eyes forced to be trained upon the vicar . The way the auditorium is designed and those wooden seats appear to have the same effect . Then there is something very cultish about being obsessed with Wagner .

[Stanfordian]

I thought the Tchaikovsky as the background to Bayreuth was priceless - as if someone was cocking a snook deliberately at the ghastly self-importance of the place .

I have always thought every time I have seen the inside of the auditorium at Bayreuth on film that it reminds me of a Victorian prison like Lincoln and its chapel where the prisoners were in separate tiny wooden cells their eyes forced to be trained upon the vicar . The way the auditorium is designed and those wooden seats appear to have the same effect . Then there is something very cultish about being obsessed with Wagner .

At its opening and in its early years the Bayreuther Festspielhaus must have made quite an impact. With many influential European and British composers attending!

[Barbirollians]

At its opening and in its early years the Bayreuther Festspielhaus must have made quite an impact. With many influential European and British composers attending!

Very true and I don't deny his importance as a composer and its artistic significance but the whole concept of Bayreuth and its design gives me the creeps .

[Stanfordian]

Very true and I don't deny his importance as a composer and its artistic significance but the whole concept of Bayreuth and its design gives me the creeps .

Hiya Barbirollians,

I can understand what with all its associations!

[BBMmk2]

The way that Salome was depicted was really mind blowing stuff. First time I have seen it!

[MrGongGong]

Looking forward to missing the prog in which Lucy W and KD share the presenting.

Welcome back Professor Says
how are things at NU these days?
Nice to see you still have the power of telekinesis