The First Emperor

[from Wikimedia Commons]






Yesterday I saw the Metropolitan Opera's First Emperor by Tan Dun at a movie theater.

Since I am a Techno Geek as well as a Music Geek, this was just pure heaven. I've never seen an opera at the Met although I've taken the backstage tour when I was in NYC. In someways I have to admit that I found the experience even better than going to a real opera house. If for nothing else I didn't have to get all dressed up and spend a fortune on the tickets. Granted, at $18 a pop, this is more expensive than your normal movie, but that's OK.

The opera was great! I had read reviews of the opera complaining that the mix of the strong rhythmic and dissonant orchestral and choral sections did not integrate well with the Pucciniesque writing for Domingo. I have to strongly disagree. It was this juxtaposition that made the opera work for me.

The opera is based on Emperor Qin, the first emperor of China. It tells an emotional story in which Qin puts the state above all else, including love and friendship. It is the perfect subject matter for a grand opera and Dun's score as well as the performance was completely up to the task. Wikipedia has an article on the opera.

The whole experience even had my favorite beloved Grandma of Grand Opera, Beverly Sills! And like talking with your Grandma I had to chuckle when she mistakenly referred to Beckham, the soccer play, as a hockey player when speaking with Domingo. But that's OK.

The theater was sold out. There is a hunger for artistic experiences across the nation and hopefully this proves it. Well done Peter Gelb!!!!