Painting

04. August 2008 · Comments Off on Painting · Categories: Ramble

I thought, after opera yesterday, I’d have no energy for painting our bedroom. And I’m not sure just how much energy I had today … but I painted. We are nearly not green. (The walls, that is. I do try to be “green” when it comes to environmental issues, although I guess paint isn’t the best thing to be doing.) I have to do all the edging, but I rolled the walls, and it’s so nice to see this lovely color on the walls! I suppose I should have started with all the edging, but that I knew I didn’t have energy to do. (My hands hurt quite a lot when using a brush.)

I also need to do the ceiling in a lighter white, and yes, I should have done that before walls. But again, not enough energy for that task. Still, I hope to get the room completed and put back together by Friday. I’m fairly sure it should be no problem. (Of course we’ll see how my hands feel tomorrow!)

So this is what happens when I finish up with performance. I guess I need to do something slightly creative! Go figure.

The Bonesetter’s Daughter

04. August 2008 · Comments Off on The Bonesetter’s Daughter · Categories: Links, Opera

The story drives the opera, but it’s all about music onstage. Stewart and I worked together, discussing the story, breaking it down structurally. By the time I wrote the libretto, it was clear that only what is absolutely essential gives power; too many words would dilute it. I’d say, “I want to include this notion of guilt or anger.” He’d say, “I’ll have this in the music.” We cut out everything that could be done by the music.

Dan and I will get to see and hear the opera when San Francisco opera premieres it this coming season. I’ve read a lot of Amy Tan’s work. (As a side note, my father was her English teacher when she was in middle school, and had even saved at least one poem she wrote from then and showed it to us some years ago.) I’m just sure I’ve read The Bonesetter’s Daughter, but I think I should reread it, as my memory isn’t the best sometimes.

Ms. Tan goes on to say:

If people respond enthusiastically, I’ll be grateful. But even terrible reviews cannot diminish its success for me personally. It will hurt, but I won’t regret doing what’s been so fulfilling.

I do hope it’s a success. I’m always very excited about new operas.

You can read the whole article here and click here for the SF Opera link.

Double Reeds Over the Rainbow

04. August 2008 · Comments Off on Double Reeds Over the Rainbow · Categories: Ramble

… and more.