Who is the only person in the world watching Alban Berg's opera Wozzeck on the Met's HD Live in a cinema on a winter's day when the temperature is a T-Shirt 67 degrees? ! Outside in the real world…
Andrew.
For those not in 'the know' Wozzeck is claimed to be one of the greatest operas of the C20th. When it is done to perfection (as is at this Met Opera production) it certainly lives up to that accolade. Done…hmmmm...enough…let's not go there!
The music actually seems somewhat 'easy'. It does not sound so complicated nor obtuse. But the rigor that goes into that experience from the composer, performers, conductor to make what's hard simple! Then there is the stage director. In this case one of the C20th great artists William Kentridge. I don't think Mr.Kentridge's art could ever be described as obtuse, unattainable nor irrelevant. He erases then draws/thinks again. And ago. And again. And again. And…what's left (and the process is crucial to the enlightenment) is what's left of humanity. And the drawing on paper or in one's mind when there seems no point to either when challenged by the precipice.
Wozzeck is certainly not everyone's 'cup 'o'tea'. Far from that. You can't lead a horse to Alban Berg and make it drink! But you can whisper of a heart of darkness and light. And maybe…
I think every war veteran could easily relate to this opera even though the music is so very very of a foreign place.
….a sad, simple tale almost comic book. Though, as in all great comics, the heart of darkness is a heart of love and truth.
(This review in memory of Moo Mooversen -the cow-who sang, danced, read poetry and believed- at the Met Opera. He strictly forbad any recordings whatsoever. You've never seen a more vociferous policing force of creatures great and small!) He wanted something…: real in his life.
Andrew is very grateful of 'bootlegs': also very respectful.
There are three more performances of Wozzeck at the Met: Jan 16/19/22. There is no interval so one can go be …whatever..and leave alone or with your….and contemplate and/or get drunk in whatever manner you choose.
[A co-production of the Metropolitan Opera; Salzburg Festival; the Canadian Opera Company, Toronto; and Opera Australia. Production a gift of Robert L. Turner]
“Thor, the people need a King.”
“No, they already have one.”
“That’s funny. ….You being serious?”
“It’s time for me to be who I am rather than who I’m supposed to be. But you, you are a leader. That’s who you are.
…..I’m counting on it.
Your majesty:)”
