How we feel Is an illusion we choose
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Another Queen of Night
I post this because whenever I recommend to anyone the Queen of Night, I always recommend it in the Lucia Popp rendition. It's a matter of personal taste, but what I love about this is that it is somewhat slower than the other versions and as a result, it would seem to me somewhat more difficult to perform and sustain--those high notes in which the Queen's voice becomes the Magic Flute itself are rounded, full, and deep while remaining light and airy. I have read some rather severe criticism of this ritardando; and while it may or may not reflect Mozart's intent, it is certainly within the options for staging. It creates a real vocal showpiece from what is already a magnificent example of same. It really is an amazing example of a virtuoso composition sung by a virtuoso voice. All of which should not be taken to mean that I do not truly appreciate the version posted earlier by Diana Damrau, it's just nice to see what a difference tempo can make. I think we can take
Angel Time--Anne Rice
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Good question. I can't think of any novels in which a volcanic eruption or any "natural disaster" is the main character, rather than merely an opportunity/setting for human drama. Actually I can't even imagine what one would resemble.
ReplyDeleteNow that I think about it--I wonder if the term "natural disaster" isn't also human centered.