Oh, Puccini!

Say what you will, I just cannot help but be completely overcome with shivers
and tingles about 5 1/2 minutes into track 13 (Act 1 Vogliatemi bene, un bene
piccolino) from Madame Butterfly (an awesome version with Renata Scotto that I
got from the library of all places-- we had to return it-- boo hoo!). Who am I
kidding--this whole opera is amazing.

Everyone probably knows that Seth is very big into opera right now-- his
favorite of late has been Die Valkyrie. I was certainly raised with a pretty broad
exposure to opera, but I think I never gave it a good, serious listen. Tonight,
sitting in the dark at the computer with good quality headphones and no
distractions... with a little more perspective and having been around the block a
few more times... well, it nearly makes me want to cry. I even took a class in
college where I listened to many operas, but maybe I never really LISTENED...
With an open mind, and an open heart.

For anyone who wants to give opera a chance, I HIGHLY recommend this one
(and for everyone out there sneering and tsking... I can't help it, I love it).

Posted by jvoris at February 25, 2008 10:48 PM