"Traditionally, it isn't over until the fat lady sings. But it seems it will soon be over for the singing fat lady."
So opens a piece in The London newspaper The Independent concerning the slimmer and fitter brand of opera star now on the rise. The slenderizing of opera talent is the result--claims the article--of a younger audience expecting more than the static stand-and-deliver quality of old school tenors and sopranos.
So are we heading toward a world of supermodel Mimis? Are Pavarotti-sized powerhouses on the outs?
"I hope we don't see that," the article quotes John Allison, editor of Opera Magazine. "I hope we don't see the end of the phrase 'before the fat lady sings' either, because there are some pieces that require singers to have a huge set of lungs and a big frame to go with it. If glamour and looks are hired before vocal ability, then you are heading for trouble."
So what are your expectations when you go to an opera? Is it all about the voice? Or should opera have the same casting demands as musical theater? Is all of this a form of size-ism?
Your thoughts?
So opens a piece in The London newspaper The Independent concerning the slimmer and fitter brand of opera star now on the rise. The slenderizing of opera talent is the result--claims the article--of a younger audience expecting more than the static stand-and-deliver quality of old school tenors and sopranos.
So are we heading toward a world of supermodel Mimis? Are Pavarotti-sized powerhouses on the outs?
"I hope we don't see that," the article quotes John Allison, editor of Opera Magazine. "I hope we don't see the end of the phrase 'before the fat lady sings' either, because there are some pieces that require singers to have a huge set of lungs and a big frame to go with it. If glamour and looks are hired before vocal ability, then you are heading for trouble."
So what are your expectations when you go to an opera? Is it all about the voice? Or should opera have the same casting demands as musical theater? Is all of this a form of size-ism?
Your thoughts?
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I think the looks that don't matter are in regards to the weight of the singers. I do think the look of the set is important, because as you say, it creates moods, places, etc. But I don't think a fan of opera cares whether the costume, which also helps with moods, places, etc, is a 4, 14, or 24, as long as the singer in it sounds great and tells their story well.
I don't think it just a matter of looks, but a matter of acting and looking like the person actually belongs in the role. Right or wrong, much opera is about good looking people, and it requires an incredible suspension of disbelief if the person singing doesn't look the part. It's hard to believe that the person playing the eponymous La Giocondo is for real when she is 300 pounds, for example.
If you get a chance, see a production at the Chicago Opera Theater. They use up and coming singers who are young and good looking, but more importantly look the part of the role they are playing and actually act. The result is a revelation. And their baroque and modern repertoire is really inspired too.