Britten on the Beach

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

A fascinating review, which turns me from being a sceptic to something of an enthusiast.

[amateur51]

I went last night. Here's my review:

http://www.opera-britannia.com/index...iews&Itemid=16

Many thanks IGI, You really got over the special qualities of this remarkable enterprise. I must say that I was a naysayer when I first heard of the plans and I'm delighted to have been proved wrong

You have certainly whetted my appetite for the cinema relay later in the year

[ardcarp]

Yes, IGI a great review and lovely pics. Thanks so much.

[Nick Armstrong]

Yes, IGI a great review and lovely pics. Thanks so much.

Agreed. Rather kicking myself I didn't try and get tickets.

Rubbernecker (formerly of this parish) and Lady R are going (or have been) so I shall look forward to a verdict from that sometimes rather demanding tribunal as well...

[gradus]

I went to Friday's performance and can add little to the excellent review above.
The opera works so well in a beach setting that it made me wonder if we won't see further beach productions of it and not confined to Aldeburgh either. Other candidates, how about The Flying Dutchman - any other suggestions?
There seemed to be quite a few people listening and watching outside the arena and it would have been possible to spend nothing at all and still have seen and heard it. The weather threatened but beyond light rain that mysteriously only showed in the spotlights and didn't seem to fall on us, it was acceptable although it got a bit parky towards the end. Some wonderful moon effects too through broken cloud.
The spitfire's double pass complete with barrel roll was warmly applauded.
Altogether a terrific evening.

[ardcarp]

how about The Flying Dutchman - any other suggestions?

Tristan and clifftops. Minack theatre perhaps? Plus cushions, full waterproofs. black coffee and survival rations.

[Il Grande Inquisitor]

Tristan and clifftops. Minack theatre perhaps? Plus cushions, full waterproofs. black coffee and survival rations.

See the final sentence of Fiona Maddocks' piece in today's Observer.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2013/jun/23/gloriana-britten-66th-aldeburgh-festival-review?CMP=twt_gu

[Barbirollians]

I thought it was marvellous . Technically superb and Alan Opie was marvellous as Grimes - though I thought all the singers did very well although Balstrode appeared to have occasional microphone trouble .

From discovering legless camping chairs , to the spitfire appearance , the change from heavy rain to sun just an hour before the performance and then the way the elements seemed to play their part - the wind getting up and the waves too joining the moon through the clouds in Act 3 , a very brief spattering from the rain and then finally some slightly misty sea fret additions in the closing scenes , to the excellent singing and the chorus were terrific to the imaginative and evocative set I thought it was an absolute triumph and I was very glad to have been there .

[Mary Chambers]

I think Alan Opie might have difficulty singing Grimes - he's a baritone. It was Alan Oke!

I am getting more and more furious that I wasn't there. Can't wait for the film, but how can it be the same without the unpredictability of wind and weather?

[Nick Armstrong]

I am getting more and more furious that I wasn't there.

Me too, Mary

[amateur51]

Me too, Mary

Me too but I can imagine what shocking sciatica it would have brought on, so I'll borrow a deckchair when the DVD comes out and watch it on a cold evening with the windows open to get the full effect

[aeolium]

Tristan and clifftops. Minack theatre perhaps? Plus cushions, full waterproofs. black coffee and survival rations.

I was wondering about Otello in the same venue: less of an endurance test for the audience (but where is the orchestra pit?)

[Il Grande Inquisitor]

Me too but I can imagine what shocking sciatica it would have brought on, so I'll borrow a deckchair when the DVD comes out and watch it on a cold evening with the windows open to get the full effect

If it's any consolation, I've been suffering a heavy cold since Friday, which I heavily subscribe to my beach excursion. Friends had been taunting me that I'd never make Gloriana the next night - it takes longer than that to recover from pneumonia! - but I was in rudest health then, doubtless incubating the little blighter for later.

I'd do it all again though.

[Il Grande Inquisitor]

I was wondering about Otello in the same venue: less of an endurance test for the audience (but where is the orchestra pit?)

Now, if I'm going to see an open-air Otello, it'll have to be Cyprus on a sun-kissed evening, please. (Damn the storm!)

[Barbirollians]

It was magnifique ! I suspect ams etc - with a camping seat , rug some of the mulled wine they were selling you would have been fine.