This is why I must always invite you to the opera. For all my discontent with the work you find the most amazing things in it. I knew it was a visual feast, though I can't see much of it. Mostly I spend my time trying to see the conductor (who is the one who did the reduction - I have a recording of the full thing if you'd like to listen). I must say it was a production that only came together when we finally had the orchestra, and in many ways it is as much about them as everyone else. Yes, Appolo apparently is singing much better now, and may have been marking some during the preview, however, the orchestra is just plain that loud sometimes. Imagine if there were twice as many of them as there were supposed to be. Much thicker string sound, and many more odd instruments. Best part of all this is that the whole thing was recorded for CBC, so sometime next fall we'll be able to hear it all again. I recall hearing our Tempest and being astounded. I'm rather looking forward to this one.

\i/