tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post2165639319618263284..comments2024-03-05T22:44:45.962-05:00Comments on Great Opera Singers: David Daniels' OSCAR: A REVIEWUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-50414652029986536082013-09-17T18:42:33.578-04:002013-09-17T18:42:33.578-04:00J-Dub, how good of you to send your comments! It s...J-Dub, how good of you to send your comments! It seems to me very useful for readers of Great Opera Singers to hear from someone else who attended the same performance of “Oscar.” You are too modest in referring to your knowledge of music and poetry, because, in fact, you have a deep knowledge and appreciation of both, especially baroque opera. And, it was you, after all, who organized our little band of admirers to travel to Santa Fe to see David Daniels. So you speak with a special kind of authenticity. <br /><br />I am glad that you mentioned the pre-performance talk. This was a dinner gathering in which the composer, Theodore Morrison (who also co-wrote the libretto), spoke at some length about the eight-year journey that led to the production of “Oscar.” He spoke quite eloquently about the great spirit of commitment that had grown among himself, John Cox, and David Daniels. And we certainly experienced that first-hand in the moments we had after the performance to congratulate and chat with the cast. <br /><br />You are absolutely right about the scene in the prison hospital. It convincingly portrayed the transformation Wilde underwent while in prison. He would write that it was there that he discovered true humility. <br /><br />I appreciate it that you state so clearly the theme of “Oscar” – that is, the struggle “to embrace the universal humanity of love in all its forms.” This is certainly what inspired its creators and cast, a universal theme that embraces, but goes beyond gay rights and liberation. As you say, “a story that needs to be told” and certainly worthy of opera.<br /><br />I find much to ponder in what you write, especially about the goal of live theatre to reach a true cross-section of those in the audience, ranging from experts and specialists, to the average theatre-goer and music lover – really anyone who is open and curious. I believe that the great dramatists and great opera composers (all great artists) strive to do this: that is, to embrace universal themes in a way that touches the hearts of everyone. I guess, for myself, just how well “Oscar” meets that test, only time will tell. But what a noble effort!JINGnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-4972763840215701762013-09-17T17:04:45.983-04:002013-09-17T17:04:45.983-04:00As one of the group of friends of both you and Dav...As one of the group of friends of both you and David who saw the opera together in Santa Fe, I found your review insightful and based on a breadth and depth of knowledge of poetry and music that I, unfortunately, do not share. I can see I missed a lot during the performance and am grateful for your thoughtful analysis. My experience of, and new-found appreciation for, opera is entirely a result of my friendship with David, and the privilege of hearing him and his fellow artists sing Handel has been transformative.<br /><br /> <br /><br />While I have great respect for David’s acting ability, and agree with you that his acting in Oscar is some of the best I’ve seen from him, for me, it was the acting, not the music, that carried the evening. Let me hasten to add that I’m distinguishing the music from the singing! <br /><br /> <br /><br />What I took away from our common experience in seeing Oscar together, hearing the pre-performance talk and talking with David about it is the passion and conviction the artists involved brought to the project. A few scenes, such as the one in the prison hospital, stand out in showing how the experience changes Oscar and how he responds as a “real person” as opposed to responding automatically with his public persona as a ‘wit.’ <br /><br /> <br /><br />Not only does this period in the life of Oscar Wilde transcend cultural time and place, it informs, as David himself has so eloquently described, this period in American – and, indeed, international -- culture as societies and religious traditions wrestle with what it means to embrace the universal humanity of love in all its forms. So, the story is definitely opera material, but I was disappointed in what I experienced as a lack of universal appeal – precisely because it is a story that needs to be told.<br /><br /> <br /><br />Perhaps it is old-fashioned of me (reference our airport conversation!), but I feel live theatre ought to reach individuals in the audience in a variety of ways, not just appeal to those who arrive primed through their education and experience to find the subtleties in the music and the libretto that, absent the actors’ ability to portray character development, go right over the heads of a significant portion of the audience. In that regard, you really zinged the professional critics, and bravo to you for that! I feel I gained a different and valuable perspective but still wonder whether, in the hands of a lesser actor (and I use that work intentionally) than David, the true power of this experience in Oscar’s life would be conveyed to a majority of the audience coming to hear and see it as opera.<br /><br /> <br /><br />J-Dub<br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-48024148635352016202013-09-13T11:34:11.751-04:002013-09-13T11:34:11.751-04:00For V. Kemper - Your comment is so much appreciate...For V. Kemper - Your comment is so much appreciated! What you say about the redemptive value of art and the vulnerability of the artist are exactly the points I was attempting to make, and you expressed it all so beautifully (and succinctly). I am especially pleased that you might wish to see "Oscar" one day as well we hear David Daniels sing, whenever those opportunities arise. What I was attempting to do with this "review" was to provide a fuller context for both the opera itself as well as David's relationship to the work as artist and human being. Most professional reviewers simply don't have the time and space to do this. But your kind words make the effort seem so worthwhile to me. Regarding your feelings about opera, I have concluded that it is very possible for some people to love music of all kinds, but not opera. And for those who don't like opera, I realize it is futile to try and make the case if a mind is made up. And, honestly, the strangeness of opera should not surprise anyone. I discovered a few days ago something said by Samuel Johnson, where he described opera as "An exotic and irrational entertainment, which has always been combated, and always has prevailed." That said, I am so grateful that your comments reflect such an open mind and open heart.JINGnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-34656203469333108162013-09-12T21:37:29.843-04:002013-09-12T21:37:29.843-04:00When it comes to opera, I could hardly be more ign...When it comes to opera, I could hardly be more ignorant. But as a lover of music and art and a believer in the redemptive power of art that is offered by a gifted and willingly vulnerable artist, I am deeply moved by this account of Mr. Daniels' portrayal of another brilliant and tragically vulnerable artist. Jing has done of superb job of explaining the background, significance and quality of this operatic production. His review only leaves me wishing I could experience it.V. Kempernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-85259294731758633212013-09-10T17:15:48.363-04:002013-09-10T17:15:48.363-04:00Your comments, Jason, are kind and affirming. I am...Your comments, Jason, are kind and affirming. I am very encouraged by what you have written. Thank you!JINGnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-87917078995454564312013-09-10T15:23:10.003-04:002013-09-10T15:23:10.003-04:00Thank you, Jason! That is a very nice comment ind...Thank you, Jason! That is a very nice comment indeed, and I'm sure our author will be touched by it!Edmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-42139485367650055902013-09-10T15:22:13.339-04:002013-09-10T15:22:13.339-04:00In addition to being precise and detailed, and jus...In addition to being precise and detailed, and just plain full of good information, this review is sensitive and kind. A real joy to read. Whoever you are, JING, you deserve congratulations for this beautiful review. I wish all critics were as kind and intelligent as you!<br /><br />Jason MAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-9965454119097319392013-09-09T13:08:20.086-04:002013-09-09T13:08:20.086-04:00Thank you, Mr. Wells, for your very kind words. Th...Thank you, Mr. Wells, for your very kind words. They are so appreciated. "Oscar" will next be performed by Opera Philadelphia in February of 2015. I would urge everyone who is interested to see it. David Daniels will again appear as Oscar Wilde, and I believe the production and cast will be the same as it was in Santa Fe. If this opera succeeds over time, it would surely appeal to countertenors in the future. JINGnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-47346385063101286852013-09-09T11:45:37.180-04:002013-09-09T11:45:37.180-04:00Thank you very much Mr. Wells, and welcome to Grea...Thank you very much Mr. Wells, and welcome to Great Opera Singers. Hope we'll see you again! You're always welcome here, do drop by and comment. And I agree with you, incidentally, our writer would make a darned fine critic!Edmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-90294080587282560942013-09-09T11:43:18.396-04:002013-09-09T11:43:18.396-04:00This is very well done! You may not be a crtic, J...This is very well done! You may not be a crtic, JING, but maybe you ought to be! This is most interesting and I feel like I really know something about the opera now. Also I love the pics! Bravo.<br /><br />Chester WellsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-26044921238925284722013-09-08T19:25:10.408-04:002013-09-08T19:25:10.408-04:00Thank you very much, my dear friend; most kind of ...Thank you very much, my dear friend; most kind of you, and please permit me at this point to thank you for the beautiful and informative piece you have written. You always did write well, and you still do! Better than ever:-) You've done a real service, both to Daniels and to this fascinating opera! I'm sure all join me in saying THANK YOU!Edmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-83271326652944171952013-09-08T18:54:55.797-04:002013-09-08T18:54:55.797-04:00Thank you each for your responses. Mr. Hobbes, I h...Thank you each for your responses. Mr. Hobbes, I have not made that visit to Oscar Wilde’s grave, but I would like to very much. I find Wilde endlessly fascinating and complex. And surprising in the depth of both his genius and his humanity. Edmund, I appreciate what you write about Daniels’ strength and determination in taking on this role. He possesses huge courage and integrity as an artist, and has shown this again and again throughout his career. Anonymous, thank-you for saying what you did about Wilde himself. He truly is “a giant of the mind and heart.” I would encourage anyone who hasn’t read it, to look at “De Profundis”. I find myself moved by the honesty with which he probes his relationship with Bosie, looks into his own heart, and astonished by what he says about love, hate, imagination and art. This man was simply a great, great writer and artist, and a truly humane man. And, Martha, I gratefully echo your gratitude to Edmund. He really is a most gracious host to all of us – welcoming and encouraging and affirming. JINGnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-48503208542103591212013-09-08T13:43:03.586-04:002013-09-08T13:43:03.586-04:00And thank you my friend, as always, for your enthu...And thank you my friend, as always, for your enthusiastic and supportive comments!Edmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-47804586982562729252013-09-08T13:41:53.665-04:002013-09-08T13:41:53.665-04:00Thank you again, Edmund, for getting another wonde...Thank you again, Edmund, for getting another wonderful writer. It is amazing to me how you manage to get writers with personal acquaintance with the artists! It makes such a difference! It provides insights that just aren't available elsewhere. Great article, thnk you JING and Edmund!<br /><br />MarthaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-48272522789431084562013-09-08T13:39:03.522-04:002013-09-08T13:39:03.522-04:00Thank you so much for wonderful, and most elegant ...Thank you so much for wonderful, and most elegant comment! Always appreciated!Edmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-40888200069621483332013-09-08T13:29:16.442-04:002013-09-08T13:29:16.442-04:00Well done, Jing! Chapeau, Mr. Daniels! Gratitude t...Well done, Jing! Chapeau, Mr. Daniels! Gratitude to Morrison & Cox for this work of art; and, of course, obeisance to the great and noble Mr. Wilde, a true giant of the mind and heart, who courageously paved the way for all of us who follow. He once wrote: "we are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." Mr Wilde, your star still shines brightly, today perhaps more than ever. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-46920339040125425882013-09-08T12:13:56.205-04:002013-09-08T12:13:56.205-04:00Thank you very much, Mr. Hobbes! Always a pleasur...Thank you very much, Mr. Hobbes! Always a pleasure to hear from you. Yes, I too found this a most interesting and informative article, and it increased my appreciation of Daniels' strength and determination in undertaking a role that some might view as controversial. Again, my appreciation for your comment!Edmund St. Austellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14490721790447218365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6166918155946600787.post-54517702386775069922013-09-08T12:08:41.338-04:002013-09-08T12:08:41.338-04:00What an interesting article. Even though I visited...What an interesting article. Even though I visited Wilde's grave in Paris, I was unaware of most of this material.<br /><br />Thanks to Jing for a most informative piece and, of course, the Vivaldi at the end of it.JD Hobbeshttp://cinci.rr.comnoreply@blogger.com