Any subject is good for opera if the composer feels it so intently he must sing it out.
-Gian Carlo Menotti
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I had an Opera San José rehearsal today for La Traviata. I was relieved that I wasn’t asked to play the banda part; it’s really grueling to add that to the book, and I really can use the break. It’s terribly disappointed that those who are playing are playing from the pit, and I feel sorry for them. I realize that’s OSJ’s way of avoiding hiring more musicians, but the poor folks are playing non-stop for a good long time, and are now told that they are playing too loudly. Well DUH … if they were playing from in the wings the problem would be solved. Alas, there is no time for the pit musicians to go upstairs and play.
I sure hope Opera San José eventually chooses to hire banda folks. To me it’s so very important.
It is, after all, what the composer requested.
Now I rest up for tonight’s Camelot performance. I have double service days through Sunday, and I have no day off until … hmmm … looks to be February 15. Work is very good. But so is a day off! I’m not complaining, but I think I’ll make sure I keep that day an oboefree™ day.
