Tristan's first act! Standing at the top of the family circle, the heat from the orchestra pit rising up to me---what an incredible work of art. Experiencing it is like being caught in a ball of fire!. An experience that goes beyond "watching art". Yes, choosing to go to Tristan last night was a momentous choice--parts of Act I still echo in my ear. Isolde's rage, which most of the act revolves around--so truthful.
And yet I found the second act trying and minimal compared with Act I. Partially because at that point I was tired, but even so, it is as if Wagner had gotten his protagonists into a place by fusion and now had to take them to the next step. And so the music becomes the slave of the libretto. Act II very static until King Mark's entrance. Even then, his monologue, while very beautiful does not for me fully come to life. Was relieved when Act II was over. Decided not to stay for Act III, which I don't know musically at all. Too tired; had gotten what I needed from the evening. Possibly in the next few weeks (there are about 5 more performances) I will by a standing room and come in to hear the third act. It's a risk, having to get rapped up in that world again. So intense!
Not sure about the rest of the day---tonight is the Vice President debate and also the playoff game for the American League wild card. Might just go to Standings to watch it, or possibly try to see Hamlet at the Public. Maybe just go to a bar in Brooklyn and see what happens.
Anyway, will report tomorrow...see you soon..
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