What opera have you been listening to, lately?

[Hoffmann]

I finally was able to get outside for a walk today - I returned from Germany a couple of weeks ago with what I would guess was a pulled muscle in my back, so unable to do much of anything physical with comfort, so no walking. I bought a new mattress, which seemed to improve things, though I'm still not certain I chose wisely.

So:

[Ann Lander (sospiro)]

I finally was able to get outside for a walk today - I returned from Germany a couple of weeks ago with what I would guess was a pulled muscle in my back, so unable to do much of anything physical with comfort, so no walking. I bought a new mattress, which seemed to improve things, though I'm still not certain I chose wisely.

So:

Sorry to hear about your back. Have you tried some gentle yoga or Pilates?

[Hoffmann]

Sorry to hear about your back. Have you tried some gentle yoga or Pilates?

I've thought about trying yoga, but haven't gotten motivated yet to investigating. I think I need to do something, though!

[Florestan]

I've thought about trying yoga, but haven't gotten motivated yet to investigating. I think I need to do something, though!

Perhaps a chiropractor could help?

[Florestan]

This is all I have been listening to since it arrived Monday.

[Hoffmann]

For yesterday's walk, I listened to my new recording of Il Trittico, but found it unsatisfying. I couldn't really figure out what Puccini was trying to do as the music seemed to meander so.

Finally, it was so noticeable that I decided to take a break and figure out how where I was in the recording - how much longer this was going to last. That was when I noticed that my download of the recording into iTunes had gone really wrong - tracks from Suor Angelica alternated with Il Tabarro tracks. No wonder I thought the operas were so weird.

Decent recording of Gianni Schicchi, though.

Back to the drawing board!

Results, therefore, were inconclusive.

[Ann Lander (sospiro)]

For yesterday's walk, I listened to my new recording of Il Trittico, but found it unsatisfying. I couldn't really figure out what Puccini was trying to do as the music seemed to meander so.

Finally, it was so noticeable that I decided to take a break and figure out how where I was in the recording - how much longer this was going to last. That was when I noticed that my download of the recording into iTunes had gone really wrong - tracks from Suor Angelica alternated with Il Tabarro tracks. No wonder I thought the operas were so weird.

Decent recording of Gianni Schicchi, though.

Back to the drawing board!

Results, therefore, were inconclusive.

How strange. I hope you get it sorted.

[Hoffmann]

Today's walk featured one of my favorite Verdi operas - it never fails to disappoint and I timed it almost perfectly so that the opera was over just before reaching home:

[Ann Lander (sospiro)]

Today's walk featured one of my favorite Verdi operas - it never fails to disappoint and I timed it almost perfectly so that the opera was over just before reaching home:

I love that recording so much!!!

Not sure whether or not it's just anecdotal but I read that many years ago Simon Keenlyside was about to drive to UK from Germany and his agent/manager gave him this version and told him to listen to it in the car. Apparently he played it over and over until he reached UK.

[Ann Lander (sospiro)]

This was the second complete opera on CD that I ever bought (the first being Lucia di Lammermoor) and I listened to it over and over but as I got more obsessed with opera and bought loads more CDs, I forgot about poor L'elisir. I listened this morning and it was like meeting up with a dear friend.

[Hoffmann]

I had a bit of a reality check yesterday. A particularly nice day for a walk, I decided on a quasi-urban route that took me to the outer line of Old Town Alexandria, then back toward home. Except. While enjoying the day and the Sutherland-Horne Norma,





I tripped on an uneven sidewalk, which brought my walk to an unceremonious end. In the emergency room. Two broken ribs, 5 sutures over my right eye and various other lesser abrasions. An awesome Good Samaritan stopped and helped me into her car and drove me to the hospital while I was still in a bit of a daze. Looking back, I was lucky - the Good Samaritan, for sure, and, when I looked at my very damaged sunglasses this morning, noticed that the right lens is deeply gouged, so it likely protected my eye from more severe damage. I've heard that getting old is not for sissies - I am increasingly understanding the sentiment.

I also decided that I am sufficiently sore that it would be best to cancel my trip to NYC today. So, no William Tell or L'Italiana in Algeri. Aside from eating the expense of the tickets, it is particularly sad in that I had managed to convince a friend to agree to attend his first opera (L'Italiana), which delightful experience both of us will miss. Alas.

So, I'm hanging out at home today, sore and with my eye swollen shut but alive and well and appreciative of what might otherwise have been a real disaster - and listening to:

[Festat]

OH MY GOD BROKEN RIBS!!!! HOW ARE YOU FEELING NOW?! Are you doing well alone? I hope it doesn't hurt much and that you get better in no time!

[Amfortas]

What a harrowing experience! I'm glad someone came to your aid, and that you'll be OK when all is said and done.

Sorry you'll miss your trip, though. You'll have to make some indulgent travel plans in the near future to make up for it.

[Soave_Fanciulla]

Oh you poor sweetie! At least you are OK but what a bummer about your trip.

[Ann Lander (sospiro)]

Oh no, you poor guy. It all sounds shocking and very painful and what a blessing there was a Good Samaritan to help you. Such a shame about missing your opera trip and I hope you start to feel better soon.