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Crescendo Ignace "Iggy" Jang |
Tales from the pit:
Enjoy the opera but
beware of swordsSomething about the opera world is so intriguing, it draws you in. Perhaps it's the glorious voices, beautiful music, stunning sets and spectacular productions, or the comic twists and tear-jerking dramas. Whatever the temptation, a musical wonderland awaits each time we step into the concert hall.
But to me, opera means one thing: Beware of falling objects!
‘Cosi Fan Tutte’
Hawaii Opera Theater performances: 8 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17Place: Blaisdell Concert Hall
Tickets: $29 to $100
Call: 596-7858
Let me share a story from my days on the mainland. Opera orchestras perform from a pit in front of the stage, which is why you can hear but not see the Honolulu Symphony during opera season. One night a few years ago, I was in the pit, ready to perform. It was opening night, the house was full and expectations were high.
The opera started smoothly. The singing was brilliant and the audience enthusiastic, when suddenly, a terrifying crash echoed through the hall.
A sword had fallen into the pit, landing only a foot away from me. Not a plastic sword, but a heavy metal weapon.
I was lucky. To my right, I saw long white hair flying in all directions. It took a few seconds to realize that the hair belonged to my friend's violin bow, which had been shattered by the falling sword.
Neither of us thought about our own safety. All we could think of was his violin. We each took a deep breath and looked. The front and back of the instrument were intact, with all four strings in place. But our relief was short-lived. The ribs, or sides, revealed a black hole in the precious instrument.
When the initial panic subsided, we all managed to continue, although a crew member came rushing down to the pit a few minutes later, searching frantically for the sword.
I'm surprised (and relieved) that this sort of thing doesn't happen more often. Opera singers have to do it all: Sing the high notes effortlessly, demonstrate impeccable diction in five languages and come across as intensely romantic or grief-stricken while keeping a careful eye on the conductor. On top of that, they occasionally must participate in dazzling sword fights, as was the case on that particular evening. We later learned the singer was supposed to have disarmed his opponent but had sent the sword flying into the pit, not toward the back of the stage as rehearsed. Who knew that being a musician could involve dodging swords!
I've had no such scares playing in the pit with the Honolulu Symphony for Hawaii Opera Theatre productions. I've been enjoying the productions safely for several seasons.
Next up this season is Mozart's fast-paced comedy, "Cosi Fan Tutte," which provides a wonderful lift to the spirits after the tragedy "Otello," which opened the season.
Mozart's tale of the war of the sexes is all about the innocence and uncertainty of love. Two bachelor friends place a wager with the philosopher Don Alfonso that if they were to part from their sweethearts, the women would remain faithful. But the cynical Don Alfonso is determined to prove the women fickle. Hence the Italian title, which means "All women are like that!"
"Cosi" might have become just another musical snack, an amusing yet ultimately forgettable story. But with the help of librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte, Mozart created an opera that exposes human frailty, cleverly blending high comedy and pathos. He portrays both the fickleness of women and the boorish arrogance of men. The audience is teased by uncomfortable thoughts: How much do we actually know about love, and how strong will it remain when challenged?
Don't forget that the Honolulu Symphony returns March 19 and 21 with legendary flautist Sir James Galway. Regarded as both a supreme interpreter of the classical flute repertoire and a consummate entertainer, Galway will dazzle us all with his artistry and famous Irish charm. We look forward to seeing you there!
Ignace "Iggy" Jang is the Honolulu Symphony's concertmaster. His column will appear on the Monday prior to each concert of the season to illuminate works to be performed. E-mail comments and questions to Jang at suggestions@honolulusymphony.com
