So- I apologize for not posting as of late- I have been engaged since mid-December and have been wrapped up in wedding plans. It has been super fun making all the plans, a little hectic- and mostly all exciting. But- I have become a crazy woman. I am so very distracted that although I practice, and although I type this now- my mind is in France (where our honeymoon will be) or thinking of cute ways to update our wedding website. So, I must apologize for this blog as I am sure it will be somewhat incoherent and definitely brief.
Act II- I have been avoiding this act FOREVER and for good reason. The 1st Act has a very difficult aria, so I wanted to tackle it first (tackling is a good word- it is officially wrestled to the ground, not sure it has any musical merit at this point- but it will). Then, the last Act is in the lower region so my voice teacher and I thought it best to learn that one first so I can have an established base line to sing the role from. But the 2nd Act...ugh...and for all that I am going through as a crazy engaged woman...double ugh.
This is the Act when Alfredo's father convinces Violetta to leave his son for the benefits of all parties. And...she agrees!
I tried to sing this act a year ago and I got so emotional that I had trouble getting through phrases. I mean- how could she agree to do this? I could NEVER do this! Ever! And it's not that I am mad at her or even disagree with the situation (well, I do a little- but that is my 21st Century mentality)- but seriously, how can she even speak, let along sing? And to go to that place to have a rational decision that yes, I will leave the love of my life...I just simply don't want to do it.
Then, there is the 21st Century mentality. She gives up the man she loves so he doesn't ruin his family. Honorable, I guess? And she is dying anyway, right? And, she is a courtesan, so what is her value anyway? Hmm...that's where I have trouble. She puts everyone's emotions in front of hers not to be noble or because she is dying or because it's the right thing to do (is it?)- but, because, in this time- a woman's loss- and a courtesan's loss- isn't worth the trouble. So, then I get angry and sad.
Much rather be on knot.com- you know?
