Opera was one of the certain musical genres that I always avoided to listen to or even pay attention to. On the night of February 12th, Opera UCLA and UCLA Philharmonia totally changed my viewpoint toward opera. Giasone, my first opera concert experience ever was filled with surprising moments. In addition to how Cavalli organized the lines and music, the modernized arrangement and interpretation by the UCLA crew was very interesting and astonishing, as well as the surprising fact that four of my music theory classmates were on stage and two of teaching assistants from the previous classes that I took were in orchestra pit and they were all playing their roles professionally. The initial reason to attend this opera was actually to earn the extra credit for one of music history classes that I am currently taking, but it turned out to be far beyond just an extra credit. Moreover, I only had to pay $5 for such an amazing night!
The music of Giasone was written by Francesco Cavalli in the 17th century. The libretto was written by Giacinto Andrea Cicognini. Giasone was first performed in Venice during Carnival on Janurary 5th in 1649. The name Giasone is English equivalent for Jason. The opera, Giasone is, in the simplest description, a sex farce about the main character Giasone, his wife Isfile, and his mistress Medea. Based on the comical content, UCLA Opera crews modernized the libretto in very humorous way. Even such modern vocabulary as Tweet or SOB appeared on the subtitles projected up on the wall of Schoenberg Hall. Opera is typically considered as formal or even snob entertainment, but UCLA Opera completely broke the theory in a good way.
However, it is still held by the music school of world-famous institution, the story is precisely based on Cavalli’s original. Of course, all actors are vocal performance majors and all words were in Italian. Make-up and costume were professionally done and the stage was built up beautifully. The orchestra, UCLA Philiharmonia, consisted of graduate students and facilities. There were two violins, cello, harpsichord, and theorbo (a guitar from Baroque era with the long neck) administering sound and supporting actors. The formal musical devices of opera, such as aria, recitative, and ritornello were there (if you do not understand what are those, Google them or take music history class at HASOM!). Such an authentic but yet humorous program cannot be found so easily. UCLA Opera’s program is more than what you can expect. Especially for music lovers, I highly recommend check out UCLA Opera when you have chance. Even if you are not interested in opera at all, just like me before attending to Giasone, it will be great experience. They will be having new program, Flight by Jonathan Dove from April 30th to May 2nd this spring. I hope to see you there.