David Stewart wrote:

>But somehow it all made 'sense' with the final line sung
>by Pangloss: 'Any Questions?' At last I was allowed to HAVE questions.

I think you must keep in mind that, like Voltaire's original, it's supposed
to be outrageous and thought-provoking.  The more questions it raises in
your mind, the better.

>Just one thing about the performance annoyed me.  Adolph Green.  He isn't
>a 'real' singer is he? A kind of My Fair Lady, half sing, half say the
>notes with a very distinctive accent.  Clearly a good performer but what
>an annoying voice.

Given that Bernstein conducted the recording, I think he picked the
performer he wanted for this role.  Remember, this is not a traditional
opera--it's at least in part a send-up of traditional opera, so you can't
expect standard operatic voices throughout!

>Anyway I presume the whole thing was an exercise in irony was it not?  If
>so, Bernstein was very successful.  Does anyone actually find it funny?
>or just wierd?

Certainly it's full of irony, as was Voltaire's original.  I do find
it funny, but there is also an undertone (which sometimes rises to an
"overtone") of almost bitter reference to the savagery which humans can
commit on each other, especially when they are "just following orders."
And it's wonderful music, IMHO.

Jon Johanning // [log in to unmask]