Mr. Domingo came out for his first number and he looked like a million bucks. He sang that way, too. For about 10 years now 15? I have referred to him as "the ageless Spaniard," and that description still applies. Yes, he was miked, but he was in fine shape, and sang essentially the way he always has. I don't need to tell you how that is. His voice and style are maybe more familiar than your own.
And, last night, I received an email from Jane:
What an excellent time we had in Wiesbaden.By accident we had booked into the same hotel as Placido and Eugine Kohn, the conductor. With a room overlooking the concert venue. Having watched the rehearsal from our bedroom window, we waited for Placido to return to the hotel where we got great pics of him outside. As he departed into the hotel we followed, walking up the stairs to our room as Placido took the lift (shame we could not get in with him!).however, what a surprise to meet him on his landing. As he began his first aria he caught a tickle in his throat, possibly due to the night air, and so had to begin the aria once more. This happened on the next aria also, by now we were becoming nervous, wondering what would happen next. All went well for Placido but the orchestra was a bit rattled, and it caused Maestro Kohn to work hard to get them back together. From then on all got better and better with seven encores. On the morning of the concert my husband got a picture of Eugine Kohn in the reception area. The following morning he stopped by our table at breakfast to ask if we had enjoyed the concert. I told him it improved as it went on but finished well. I think he was taken aback by my honest comments, I asked him how Placido was and he said there was no problem with him he was fine. What a very nice guy he is, taking the trouble to come and speak to us. What a night, something to remember for a long time. We then moved on to opera by the lake in Bregenz where we saw a stunning performance of Tosca. The set was really something to see. The singing was also first class. Our next stop was Verona where we saw La Traviata at the arena. This was the most disappointing performance so far.The set was awful and the Italians thought so too and in their usual way vocalised their disapproval, however the singing was good. Here's hoping to get tickets for Cyrano in Milan next year.
Thank you for that Jane. It's always excellent to get first hand reports from real people. And a room overlooking the concert venue...! Hmm, I can just imagine my Other Half's reaction to that!
