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Date: | Fri, 28 May 1999 11:20:37 PDT |
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Bob Kasenchak wrote in response to me concerning Handel arias:
>>I don't pay attention to the words.
>
>Really? In Handel or in general? Do you like opera at all? Or Lieder?
Really yes. I do like opera, but the attention I give the words is in
proportion to how it will affect my enjoyment of the music. Please keep
in mind that a listener can fully understand the human elements of the
opera without paying attention to the specific words on a continuing basis.
I don't care much for lieder.
>Even greater is my fear of the wrath of the Baroque-o-philes.
There's good reason to have fear. We are watching your home right now,
and you know I live close enough to do this.
>To me baroque music, while very cool indeed, is much like early
>50's rock and proto-rock.
I don't see the connection. Early rock was relatively minimalist and
primitive. Baroque music is highly ornamental, etc.
I would recommend to Bob that he acquire one of Handel's best vocal works
that he's not familiar with and just listen to the music - keep away from
that libretto. Maybe Flavio or Alexander Balus. Then, read a synopsis of
the plot. Then, listen again. That just might take care of the problem.
Don Satz
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