Such a fantastic opera! I love how it is finally a opera about strong women, who are more than the damsels in distress that Wagner so likes to portray. This opera is as much about sexual oppression as it is about the actual historical event. Great Job Adams!
We can just say, I don't like it. For me, it isn't what I love about opera. It isn't far to compare it and make a statement that calls something not worthy, that can only be backed up by personal preference. There really is no way to defend that argument objectively.
@mwise7477 I understand why you say that. I think if you really know the history and more about these people, you might be able to get into the show a bit more. I know I did.
@mshellnj Well, Thank you but I have studied the Nixon trip to China, as well as a great deal of the history of the age. Really, I am not concerned with the historical value of the opera, but the general quality of the work. When studying music and classical music throughout its existence, works such as this pale in comparison with the great operas such as those of Puccini and Wagner.True, however, "stupid" is a hasty comment. Let us say that it merely doesn't have the caliber of agreat opera
@mwise7477 I hope you didn't take my comment as an insult or anything. I understand what you are saying about Nixon in comparison. But I have to say, as 20th century opera goes, it is very unique and has it's own voice. I don't think we really can compare new works to the likes of Puccini and Wagner - both of whom, I might add had similar comments made about some of their works. The only way for Opera to survive, however, is if we as audience members, can allow new pieces to exist.
@mwise7477 There was a time were new operas were expected. I am sure I don't need to tell you that. I think it is good to remind ourselves though, of all the operas that were written that we don't know about because they aren't what "we consider to be of a high caliber." That being said, "Nixon" didn't die after it's initial performances. It is being done throughout the states and right now being produced by Canadian Opera Company.
@mshellnj Anyhow - I think as 20th century pieces go, this was an important piece. It has a unique voice and a very operatic one as well. There is nothing in it that is foreign when it comes to form and structure. There are arias, duets, and even a ballet. It has the makings, in form, of a french grand opera - minus 2 acts but I digress. It is not everyone's cup of tea, that is for sure. But I don't think we can make statements of it's worthiness in the history of music. cont...
Hmmm.... I like John Adam's opera better than his commentary.
incrediblub 2 weeks ago
Such a fantastic opera! I love how it is finally a opera about strong women, who are more than the damsels in distress that Wagner so likes to portray. This opera is as much about sexual oppression as it is about the actual historical event. Great Job Adams!
shautbois 6 months ago
We can just say, I don't like it. For me, it isn't what I love about opera. It isn't far to compare it and make a statement that calls something not worthy, that can only be backed up by personal preference. There really is no way to defend that argument objectively.
mshellnj 1 year ago
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John Adam's name is completely ironic. "Nixon in China" is the most stupid opera that I have ever seen. John Adam's is a terrible composer!!!
mwise7477 1 year ago
@mwise7477 I understand why you say that. I think if you really know the history and more about these people, you might be able to get into the show a bit more. I know I did.
mshellnj 1 year ago
@mshellnj Well, Thank you but I have studied the Nixon trip to China, as well as a great deal of the history of the age. Really, I am not concerned with the historical value of the opera, but the general quality of the work. When studying music and classical music throughout its existence, works such as this pale in comparison with the great operas such as those of Puccini and Wagner.True, however, "stupid" is a hasty comment. Let us say that it merely doesn't have the caliber of agreat opera
mwise7477 1 year ago
@mwise7477 I hope you didn't take my comment as an insult or anything. I understand what you are saying about Nixon in comparison. But I have to say, as 20th century opera goes, it is very unique and has it's own voice. I don't think we really can compare new works to the likes of Puccini and Wagner - both of whom, I might add had similar comments made about some of their works. The only way for Opera to survive, however, is if we as audience members, can allow new pieces to exist.
mshellnj 1 year ago
@mwise7477 There was a time were new operas were expected. I am sure I don't need to tell you that. I think it is good to remind ourselves though, of all the operas that were written that we don't know about because they aren't what "we consider to be of a high caliber." That being said, "Nixon" didn't die after it's initial performances. It is being done throughout the states and right now being produced by Canadian Opera Company.
mshellnj 1 year ago
@mshellnj Anyhow - I think as 20th century pieces go, this was an important piece. It has a unique voice and a very operatic one as well. There is nothing in it that is foreign when it comes to form and structure. There are arias, duets, and even a ballet. It has the makings, in form, of a french grand opera - minus 2 acts but I digress. It is not everyone's cup of tea, that is for sure. But I don't think we can make statements of it's worthiness in the history of music. cont...
mshellnj 1 year ago