I have seen a few operas and each were spectacular, larger than life productions but Nabucco was my first Italian opera. It was composed by Verdi at the age of 28 years.
Opera is the perfect way to “Get some
culture” as recommended by my blog inspiration, “Everything I Need to Know I Learned From a Little Golden Book.”
Refection
I knew nothing about the subject of this opera but I wanted to
hear an Italian one, thinking that my sporadic Italian lessons would help me understand
the singing. It did not- but with the help of the subtitles across the top
of the stage, the summary in the program, and the dramatic facial expressions of
the actors, it was not hard to follow the story. I was surprised that it was the biblical story of the Babylonian conqueror and exile of the Israelites from Jerusalem. The story was loosely based on the Bible book of Jeremiah.
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| Nabucco destroys the Temple of Solomon |
As in most operas, there were conflicts, struggles, a love triangle and this one ended in the unity of the Babylonians and the Israelites praising God. In Part I the Israelites are praying to
God to defeat the Babylonian King, Nabucco (in English Nebuhadnessar), who is
attacking the city. Nabucco eventually storms into the Jewish temple of Solomon
to find his daughter (Fenena) captive by the Israelites. Fenena and her half-sister (Abigaille) are both
in love with the a royal Israelite (Ismaele). Ismaele loves only Fernena and frees her. Then Nabucco destroys the Jewish temple in a dramatic fire. (You get the picture- a lot of drama linked to the music.)
The conflict continues, when Abigille crowns herself queen of Babylonia while her father is at war. She plans to kill her sister Fenena and the enslaved Israelites. In the meantime, Fenena converts. When Nabucco comes back he is imprisoned by
his daughter but eventually regains his throne, saves Fenena, converts, and frees the
Israelites.
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| Both of us are trying to learn Italian |
The symphony music was beautiful and the singing contained a powerful chorus which were the enslaved Jews.
The soprano, Abigille was so strong, filling the theater with high pitch melodies and thrills. The scenery was larger than life and there was just so much drama and feeling in this opera.
I am not an expert, but you have to admire
the musical tallent.
Opera is worth a try. You will get a little culture and a lot of drama all wrapped up
together! I hope to see another show soon (Pittsburgh Opera schedule). (Opera review)
Spiritual Reflection
The Lord gave Jeremiah the prophet this message concerning Babylon and the land of the Babylonians. This is what the Lord says,"Tell the whole world, and keep nothing back! Raise a signal flag so everyone will know that Babylon will fall! "(Jeremiah 50:1 and 2)
Other sources
The Lord gave Jeremiah the prophet this message concerning Babylon and the land of the Babylonians. This is what the Lord says,"Tell the whole world, and keep nothing back! Raise a signal flag so everyone will know that Babylon will fall! "(Jeremiah 50:1 and 2)
Other sources
Pittsburgh Opera http://www.pittsburghopera.org/
Overture of Nabucco https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGhd5kGM7dk
Pgh Opera Nabucco Review http://triblive.com/aande/theaterarts/9239028-74/nabucco-opera-pittsburgh#axzz3omQ74UZX
