At the Golden Temple

[talktooloose]

This is a very mysterious aria from John Adams opera "Nixon in China" with libretto by Alice Goodman.

"This Is Prophetic" is a strange revelation about Americana that Pat Nixon has on viewing the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. This recording is by the great Broadway soprano Dawn Upshaw from her album "The World So Wide".

I like pieces like this which imply a meaning I can only almost grab.

Let the expression on the face of the Statue of Liberty
Change just a little
Let her see what lies inland

Comments

[toodamnloud.livejournal.com]

I wrote a story that should be turned into a libretto. I wish I knew someone with the skill.

[talktooloose.livejournal.com]

I'd be interested in reading the story.

[toodamnloud.livejournal.com]

Lemme see if I can find a copy. I wrote it years ago, and I may need to rewrite it, though I've got all the details in my head.

[lux-apollo.livejournal.com]

I love that opera. Actually, I have it on DVD.

[lux-apollo.livejournal.com]

Also...

I love Adams' sensibility with the melody... how it serves the text and the emotion, even when the minimalist background does little more than create a space for the action.

Damn it, now I know what I'm watching tonight.

:-)

[talktooloose.livejournal.com]

I would very much like to see that. I have a great DVD or Kurt Weil's opera, Street Scene you might like. As well as Baz Luhrmann's production of La Bohème!!

[lux-apollo.livejournal.com]

We'll have to trade. Or just do a sit-in the next time I come to visit. :-D