so pleased they sang in English, made the story so accessible, He diffidence is so endearing. Rudolfo is a young student, suddenly confronted with a unexpected situation. I really love this version.
I have only just found this clip ... why? What a stunning performance by the amazing Alfie Boe. I'll guarantee that this Mimi didn't mind waiting to borrow a match.
For those of you who want to see English translated opera done right, check out any of the pacific opera project versions. Also, back in the day, it wasn’t uncommon for operatic works to be translated in a different language compared to the one that was originally written.
Actually, it was not the orchestra that was drowning him out, but the set. I watched this while standing at the back of the Dress Circle and he was drowned out in this one. But, when he was front of stage with the set behind him, he was stunning.
I think the awkwardness is more due to the fact that they are just starting to fall in love, and don't quite know what to do about it. Beautifully sung.
Why is everyone hating on the English? There are plenty of the original versions already. I wish they'd do all the major operas translated so that I could enjoy the music without reading the whole time lol Besides, Alfie sucks at Italian pronunciation. No offense Alfie. Golden Voice though. Truly amoung the greats even if taking non-operatic roles these days.
I cannot believe this is from the same show I saw earlier this year. From where I was sitting in the dress circle poor Alfie was totally drowned out by the orchestra! His voice just didn't seem to have the range this difficult song requires. Oh well, he still is very young, but he will never be a Bjorling in a million years,
Alan, I know you're right, but like the majority, I prefer works to be sung in the language for which they were written. Translations don't work - not because of the meaning, but because of the vowel sounds. Composers put high vowels(such as "ai" ,"i", "ee) on low notes, and low vowels (such as "ooh, "u" as in 'would', "oh") on high notes.( "Ah", "u" as in 'must' are about the middle.) So the Italian "un bacio" works on 3 notes, high, whereas the English "a kiss" works on 2 low notes. A low vowel on a low note sounds like a growl; a high vowel on a high note sounds like a squeaky scream! Try singing ' a kiss' on a high note, and (especially as it begins with the gutteral 'k', and you'll feel and sound as though you're being strangled. However 'a kiss' on a low note, with the sibilant end, actually sounds like a kiss... Likewise ' un bacio' on a low note sounds gruff! In other words, it's not that Italian is better than English, or vice versa, but that works are always better sung in the language for which the composer wrote them. Sorry about the lecture - it just happens to be something about which I feel strongly - and, just for once, I do actually know what I'm talking about! Love to all, Joan XxX
I don't know about creepy ? certainly takes a bit of getting use to they looked so awkard sat down wouldn't it have worked better to have them standing once Alfie stated to sing. He sounded brilliant though as always :0)
