How to End the Life of a Carp
February 17, 2008 - Before I continue the story, check out Tim Smith's article in today's Baltimore Sun. This is the first of the press articles to appear regarding this production. Look for features in the Jewish Times and the Afro-American in the next week.
Tobias and the stranger encounter a river. Unable to hear the river's warning that "In depth is danger" (unison women's chorus over a rippling woodwind and harp accompaniment) Tobias falls into the river. As he struggles, he is attacked by a giant fish (children's voices over swirling scale passages throughout the orchestra). The stranger refuses to help Tobias, insisting that the fish is telling him how to defeat it ("My scales are hard, my teeth are sharp. A tug on its tail ends the life of a carp.") Finally, Tobias pulls the fish's tail, and it dies. Mysteriously, the stranger councils Tobias to cut out the fish's heart and gall and put them in his pocket. Tobias obeys. Next stop Ecbatana. . . See you at the opera! - John Bowen
Tobias and the stranger encounter a river. Unable to hear the river's warning that "In depth is danger" (unison women's chorus over a rippling woodwind and harp accompaniment) Tobias falls into the river. As he struggles, he is attacked by a giant fish (children's voices over swirling scale passages throughout the orchestra). The stranger refuses to help Tobias, insisting that the fish is telling him how to defeat it ("My scales are hard, my teeth are sharp. A tug on its tail ends the life of a carp.") Finally, Tobias pulls the fish's tail, and it dies. Mysteriously, the stranger councils Tobias to cut out the fish's heart and gall and put them in his pocket. Tobias obeys. Next stop Ecbatana. . . See you at the opera! - John Bowen
Labels: tobias and the angel
posted by Opera Vivente at
5:49 AM
1 Comments:
Hello,
I am part of the unison chorus and would like to let it be known that the Baltimore Sun article has caused some emotional stir among us.
I was wondering if anyone knew how the author got the idea that some of us "amateurs" could learn music only by ear, which many of us find to be quite contrary to the way we have been practicing our lines.
It's been my pleasure to be part of the production so far. Your reply will be greatly appreciated, be it positive or negative, for I truly wish to leave the scene with no trailing doubt or regret about my commitment.
Thank you very much for your concerns.
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