Word: arias
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...opera that inspired cultural apocalypses comes to Harvard. The Dunster House Opera Society's Carmen made an ambitious attempt to portray all of the historic and romantic melodrama of Bizet's sole masterpiece, but it fell just short of the mark. Despite memorable aria performances and excellent lighting, the passion so requisite to a good production was not there...
Aaron Arzu left nothing to be desired in his singing the role of Don Jose. His ability to hold a melody shined through in his renditions of the Alcalan marching song and the plaintive aria to Carmen in the second act. But his positioning and gesturing were unguided, empty and often too quick and emphatic. His crescendos were sudden where they should have been gradual, harsh when they should have caressed the ear. He sang his part with technical aplomb but not with the heartfelt inspiration of a great portrayal...
...other hand, explored the depths of tepidity. Giving her the benefit of the doubt, her voice was most likely melodious. But the orchestra too easily drowned her out, and her acting was nonexistent. Micaela is an interesting bit part; despite her fragility, she feigns strength in her aria in the third act. Hahn had the fragility but showed no strength. Playing Zuniga and Micaela with such vapidness, Danielowich and Hahn undermined the aesthetic contributions of these characters to the opera. Piquant roles too easily become inconsequential...
...Vladimir Feltsman. It has to do with suffering and spiritual reunification -- what Tolstoy called "resurrection." But the Russian-born pianist refuses to talk about all this. He lets his music do the talking in the unfolding of these remarkable Goldberg Variations, from the first tender, probing notes of the aria, through successive layers of joy, exuberance, introspection and turbulence, and finally back to the whispered serenity of the aria. In between, as Feltsman might say, lies infinity...
Middle East. 472 Mass Ave. 354-8238. Upstairs: Scatterfield on Friday, Dec. 11. The Drovers on Saturday, Dec. 12. Downstairs: CD Release Party of Chuck with Random House of Soul and Aria on Thursday, Dec. 10. World Saxophone Quartet on Friday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. Brazilian Jazz Mater Ivo Perelman on Saturday...