The rehearsals are over, now its time for the show. Its
been quite a slog - real hard work, and I am not in the whole program, being
rostered off Seigfried. Its not the notes thats the problem - its very wll
written for the bass, with far greater challenges for the fiddles, celli and
horns. It the concentration that is the real test. Gotterdamerung runs for just
over 7 hours in this version, with two main intervals of 1:30 and 35 mins, so
thats 5 hours of music. Most operas run less than 3 hours, with one or maybe 2
intervals so no more than 2:40 with a break. Rheingold is 2:40 with no break,
and althought thats the "short" opera, its still a challenge to keep focus at
the end. But Gotterdamerung is altogether a different kettle of fish. The last
act as 1:30 and we start it 5:30 after the start of the gig. Its a marathon...
...but amazing satisfying. It keep moving, never gets stuck. The music is
remarkable. Such a range of emotions, fantastic scoring, much of it quiet and
intimate.
The ring is a huge finish to a huge year. I have performed 42 programs with 835
hours of playing time. No wonder I am a bit knackered!
Photo - Curtains calls after the Gotterdamerung general on 16th
Nov. Yes, the full orchestra are on stage. I am in the front row, just inside
the LH "house" front column as you look, just behind some of the Rhinemaidens
and their wonderfully ridiculous headwear!
