Cav and Pag, Live from The Met, 25 April 2015

[Pulcinella]

On Radio 3 and at a cinema near you at 5:30.
I like the idea of using the same set for both operas.

[LeMartinPecheur]

Did no one else listen to it then??

I'm no devotee of these works - must confess to having had a Callas EMI set from a charity shop unplayed on my shelves for many months - but enjoyed listening with half an ear. And there's always the US style of radio presentation to relish

[Pulcinella]

Not a great fan here either, but went because the local cinema was screening the transmission, and for once there was a good turnout.
Pag great fun, especially the chicken.
Cav didn't work as well for me: too much aimless wandering around the village piazza.
But both well sung, and no real complaints at cinema prices. Not works I would want to pay more to see (or to see again for that matter: now crossed off the list).

[BBMmk2]

I going to my favourite pastime with Radio 3 and have to catch up later! :)

[Don Basilio]

I've said it before, but I'm rather fond of Cav - yes, I know it's crummy hokum, but it doesn't pretend to be anything else. And it's crummy hokum with toons.

Pag always strikes me as less hummable and far more pretentious - "This is real, yer know." The truth, as Algy says in The Importance is never pure and rarely simple. We are all putting on motley all the time. It's not a very interesting insight.

[LeMartinPecheur]

I've said it before, but I'm rather fond of Cav - yes, I know it's crummy hokum, but it doesn't pretend to be anything else. And it's crummy hokum with toons.

Pag always strikes me as less hummable and far more pretentious - "This is real, yer know." The truth, as Algy says in The Importance is never pure and rarely simple. We are all putting on motley all the time. It's not a very interesting insight.

Great critique, DB, one I'll try to remember next time I need to impress someone with my impeccable operatic taste!

[Don Basilio]

Thanks Martin.

There was a music hall song sung by Wilkie Bard for which I’ve seen the sheet music called “I’d like to sing in opera”.

The chorus went:
I’d like to sing in op’ra
I’ve got that kind of voice.
I’d always sing in op’ra
If I could have my choice.
Signor Caruso
Told me I ought to do so.
That’s why I’d always
Sing in opera, sing in op’ra, sing in op, pop, pop, pop opera.

The words “Signor Caruso” are set to the exact opening bars of “Vesti la gubbia”. I can’t imagine a contemporary popular song taking five notes from contemporary opera and expect them to be recognised.