I borrowed from the local library the Decca recording of Puccini’s famous opera “Turandot”. And I begin to follow up to my post on / link to Paul Potts singing the aria “Nessun dorma”. Came across this interesting article on, well, just why is it that “Nessun dorma” is so huge? Good analysis by National Review:
“Puccini scores – analysis of aria ‘Nessun dorma’” (National Review, July 23, 1990)
One of my favorite Louisianans now loves Turandot? Good for you – a discovery to be made better late in life than never.
Who would have thought that good, solid Christians would derive so much enjoyment an art form filled with suicide, torture, beheadings and the like?
Turandot just played in Atlanta. Didn’t quite have the $50-$80 for a ticket, nor the time…alas.
Sweet – thanks for the comment! I think part of the appeal to Christians is that it is excellent art, regardless of content, and says something about the human condition. The other part is that “something” – it is about suicide, torture, and so on… but also more. I wonder how much Calaf’s pursuit of Turandot resembles the way God through Christ pursues sinful humanity. “I love you. I don’t just want you to marry me. I want you to fall in love with me in return.”
Yeah, that’s the problem with opera and classical music in general. Tickets for Baton Rouge Symphony are astonishing. Oh – we have a brand new professional opera company now. They’re pushing it pretty hard in the media.