Thursday 4 December 2008

Opera With Subtitles

I didn't expect that the Barber of Seville (Rossini's Il barbiere di Siviglia) would be so entertaining and fun to watch! Thanks to Turkish! He was the one who talked me into the Italian opera, and what was refreshing in this one is that, the staging and costumes were transformed into a modern set with bright and lively blend of colours (almost hypnotizing LOL).

Novaya Opera at night.. sooooo pretty!

Turkish and I *giggles*

Our seats were good, nearer to the stage this time

While waiting for the opera to start :P

It was our 2nd time to Novaya Opera theatre, the last time we were here was for Spartak ballet. We were one of the earliest spectators to arrive, the hall was nearly empty. I was upset! Shockingly, 15minutes before 7pm, it was as though a stampede rammed in and every chair was occupied. Some looking real good in suits and such. Turkish said these people prolly rushed here from work when it finished at 6pm. Russians have unbelievably high spirits for theatre shows :)

Coincidentally, the 2 women who sat next to me were Italians LOL

I think everyone definitely have heard a part of the opera. I never knew the title until Turkish reminded me the "Figaro! Figaro! Figarohhhh!" tune (Largo al factotum). Especially when Woody Woodpecker and Bugs Bunny have famously parodied it. I was surprised that the Russians performed in its original language.

God knowslahhh, Russians like to dub everything.

The Barber Of Seville is a 17th century Italian love story, about a rich Count Almaviva who goes to Seville in hope to propose to his heart's desire, Rosina. The twist of the plot is that, he disguises as Lindoro, a common man so that she would love him not for his wealth. The Count seeks help from Figaro (the barber) and competes with Dr.Bartolo for Rosina, with more disguises and ideas. I totally enjoyed it!

Rosina's voice was impressive, has very strong vocal power. She had the crowd chanting Bravo! all evening for her. I imagined her vocal cord vibrated like a humping bunny LOL Figaro is sooooo handsome! His suit gave him magnetic charisma and added more flavour to his singing. I had to peek up at the subtitles once in a while to catch the meaning but overall, opera isn't rocket science. It's gestures, mimics and music will lead you to understand it's story :)

Too bad the picture is blur.. Figaro's cue to Largo al factotum

Dr.Bartolo suspicious at the sneaky activities going on

Act II at Dr.Bortolo's house, with even more sneaky actions LOL

Hahahahaaa see the translated lyrics on the top?

L-R: Basilio, Dr.Bartolo, the band conductor,
Rosina, Figaro, Count Almaviva, Berta and Policia

Surprise! I found these 2 clips from YouTube. Enjoy! :)


Woody Woodpecker - The Barber of Seville


Bugs Bunny - Rabbit of Seville (watch out for 3:25 LOL)

6 comments:

Johnny Ong said...

its really nice to read abt moscow's lifestyle from a malaysian blogger's perspective

Gorgeous Ol' Eve Loves Vanilla. You? said...

Thank you for your kind words, Johnny. I'm glad you feel that way! :)

Anonymous said...

Lol..the clip's so funny!!

Anonymous said...

I love Looney Tunes!!!! Too bad they don't make such cartoons anymore :0(

Anonymous said...

yea.. why they like to dub everything ah? sometimes u can even see they copy those mtv and stuffs to make it their own..

Gorgeous Ol' Eve Loves Vanilla. You? said...

General consensus from the locals prefer foreign films to be dubbed in Russian. They say it's THE language.

Weird ass peoplelahhh.