When I first reported over the weekend (*http://tinyurl.com/2gqkv4*) about the fast- (and sudden-) approaching U.S. premiere of the opera "Farewell My Concubine," in the San Francisco Opera House on Jan. 12, I could not understand what the announcement meant by <<(Composer) Xiao Bai and librettist Wang Jian have "developed a new Western-style production distinct from traditional Beijing-style opera (incorporating instrumental music, vocal performance, pantomime, dance and acrobatics). This version captures the framework of a classic Italian opera, but is sung entirely in Mandarin with English subtitles." >> Now, having seen a 10-minute excerpt from the opera, I understand that claim, although I can't quite stop shaking my head. "Concubine" *looks* Peking Opera, but it *sounds* something halfway between Verdi and Muzak. In Mandarin. It will be an interesting experience in the War Memorial on Saturday and Sunday. Janos Gereben www.sfcv.org [log in to unmask] *********************************************** The CLASSICAL mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's HDMail High Deliverability Mailer for reliable, lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html