A Witwe For One Year

Adelaide and Dan, under the guidance of Richard Cross
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As the calendars turn over to July, more than a few of us are rubbing our eyes in disbelief that we’re entering our third week in residence with the Orchestra Verdi. This week’s project, DIE LUSTIGE WITWE (“The Merry Widow”) is a brand new piece to many of the students. While a piece like ORPHEE fit like a glove after many performances this spring, rehearsals for WITWE involve lots more trial, experimentation with different interpretations, and private conferences with the conductor and voice teachers to discuss certain aspects of the music and German text.

Adelaide, Zach, and Ed
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Even in the realm of opera, DIE LUSTIGE WITWE has a remarkably silly plot. Essentially it involves citizens in the fictional country of Pontevedria discussing and testing the limits of constant love, with everything somehow working itself out in the final chorus. Even as a longtime opera fan, I’m always willing to admit that opera can be a good deal far-fetched. Windows open, doors slam, lovers don’t recognize each other, families feud, an insane woman who has just killed her new husband returns to the wedding reception and sings for 20 minutes – it’s a true test of your willing suspension of disbelief.

Even in the realm of opera, DIE LUSTIGE WITWE has a remarkably silly plot

Adelaide sings the "Vilia"
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But by the same token, it’s that disbelief that makes opera such a unique art form. The plots are far-fetched, but it’s hard to be cynical when you can witness gifted musicians spin these characters into something memorable. Part of the fun of working in a program for young singers is being a part of this process. It’s easy to let cynicism creep in, but the lyrical brilliance of Lehar’s operatic writing take quite a bit of the edge off of those feelings.

The Orchestra Verdi is playing a non-operatic concert this evening, which has given all of the Yale Opera contingent an evening off. Plans seem to involve spending extra time studying the German text, with some time off for leisurely dinners, and then it’s back to the Auditorium di Milano on Tuesday evening for another performance before a sold-out house.