I've done 3 listens of the full opera. I've also watched the film. Just for reference.
What can I say? I am not a fan of opera. Probably because I struggle to understand what's going on most of the time. This, even though I've had it on around the house at various stages of sober to I've had a few and at different times of the day, has not changed my opinion. Which is a pity as I really like some classical pieces. Holst's Planets is stirring, beautiful and takes you on a journey, a beautiful wonderous journey.
Rusalka didn't stir me in the same way. I listened to Renee Fleming singing Song To The Moon, it has a touch of the "Somewhere over a Rainbow", the thieving gits, about it. The music is lovely in places but her face looked like a gurner. Patricia Janeckova was easier on the eye but it still hasn't gripped me.
I've worked it out. It's the acting. The trying to tell a story. For some reason it really grates.
Anyway, without the annoying singing, I quite like the music but it's just not gripping enough for me. Nice in parts though.
A score. Would be a 7 for the music but a 4 for the singing so we will settle for a 5/10
Thanks for getting me to listen to a whole opera. Never done it before. Might not again but at least I've heard something new.
