We have the perfect solution for those worried over global warming and also for those worried about an opera on global warming. Teddy Tahu Rhodes sings “Non piú andrai” replete with martini. The martini is chilled (hopefully) to ward off rising temperatures, and the opera is likely better than what’s in store for La Scala 2011.
Have one. And if you’re worried about both issues, global warming and opera, then have two. Mozart would approve, I’m sure.
La Scala has commissioned the Italian composer Giorgio Battistelli to produce an opera on “An Inconvenient Truth” for the 2011 season at the Milan opera house. The composer is currently artistic director of the Arena in Verona.
What will the plot line be? One review describes Al Gore’s drama this way:
[D]espite Gore’s dire predictions and the over-the-top trailer, which promises scenes of death and destruction, the film itself is a dull affair. Most of it consists of Gore giving lectures with infantile visual aids, including cartoons that seem designed for 2-year-olds. Now and then he throws in an inspiring quote, providing some touchy-feely, Dr. Phil-like moments.
I suppose operas have been made from grimmer stuff and some operas suffer from, shall we say, an incoherent plot, so history suggests that Battistelli may be able to overcome those disabilities.
Milan makes an interesting venue for the premiere. It has been designated the pollution capital of Europe, so it may be a major contributor to global warming. Since it lies 338 feet above the current sea level, however, it should remain high and dry as the rising seas swamp Covent Garden and the Met.
But will the 2011 season will be too late? Prince Charles says we face a series of natural disasters from global warming in only 18 months. Who needs a prophetic opera like “Inconvenient Truth” when they can watch the real disaster on TV news or at their front doorstep?
It might be interesting to see which ending Battistelli chooses: the tragedy where the British King says we are already doomed, or the comedy where the British judge declares Al Gore wrong. Then again, it might be just as interesting to contemplate an opera based on the Agriculture Department’s latest PowerPoint on soil erosion.
Besides, it’s already been done in an admirably short version.
Defending Western Culture and traditions through a rational discussion of the arts (emphasis on durable music) with unavoidable references to politics, religion, law, ranching, and the quest for a good martini.
We have the perfect solution for those worried over global warming and also for those worried about an opera on global warming. Teddy Tahu Rhodes sings “Non piú andrai”
replete with martini. The martini is chilled (hopefully) to ward off rising temperatures, and the opera is likely better than what’s in store for La Scala 2011.
