There is a dearth of concert halls whose sound Is intimate and gives exoneration For imperfections that are always found In live performance; blend or intonation. So when a first rehearsal brings a smile To both composer's and conductor's faces, Not only is the exercise worthwhile, You have been dealt a hand with all four … Continue reading April 25: Tres Bien Ensemble
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April 18: Self-Compassion
On days when tiredness stymies memory, I do not tax my brain- it is unwise. I focus on the rudimentary, The fundamental on which work relies. And when my voice is tired, I must respect Its limitations, even though I chafe To sing full-voiced, I know that to protect The instrument means shunning the unsafe. … Continue reading April 18: Self-Compassion
April 13: Stages
This afternoon, I practiced songs I knew Enough to sing by rote for the first time, And then this evening, pieces that were new I read and sang, ambitious and sublime. Each stage of learning has its devotees, The first accessing networks that were formed In practice, and the second, cortices Newly connected, leaving one … Continue reading April 13: Stages
April 5: Point of Phew
Of my opinions I am somewhat proud, Especially those I've researched thoroughly, So when I'm faced with one that's merely loud I'm tempted to engage in repartee, And yet, a yelling person doesn't care What anybody else around him thinks. As everyone is probably aware, Opinions are like assholes, and some stink. But even if … Continue reading April 5: Point of Phew
March 19: Requiem for an Opera Company
The speed of bad news through the music scene Eclipses the velocity of sound, So when a closure happens unforeseen, Surprise and consternation will abound. One's sorrow at the loss is soon replaced By disbelief and eagerness to blame Some entity for our civic disgrace, Or else partake a bitter share of shame. And yet, … Continue reading March 19: Requiem for an Opera Company
March 18: Requiem for an Empty House
An empty theatre waiting to be filled, Hundreds of voices waiting for their cue, Inhaling dust of cinder blocks playbilled In fervent hope of doing something new. Yet while the marshaled forces may impress, Acoustic problems plague the evening's sound, Despite the vocal power we possess, Transcendence never quite gets off the ground. And yet, … Continue reading March 18: Requiem for an Empty House
March 8: The Genre Game
Once, Farce was playing cards with Tragedy, And both held hands that each believed would win. While both observed the needed pageantry, They both were very anxious to begin. First, Farce laid down a witty dowager And three fine fops who sought to win her hand, But countered Tragedy with late monsieur, So noble that … Continue reading March 8: The Genre Game
March 2: On The Ring Without Words
To skepticism I must now confess Of whether Wagner's Ring could be well told By an ensemble that does not possess One singer. When the prelude to Rheingold Washed over me in its entirety, I feared that choppiness would soon ensue Perhaps when Rhinemaidens made their entry, Or at the Nibelung's attempt to woo. Though … Continue reading March 2: On The Ring Without Words
February 15: On Coriolanus, Bethany, and The Elixir of Love
On Thursday, an immortal voice was heard; On Friday, a contemporary one, On Saturday, an opera absurd, But filled with gorgeous music, verve, and fun. Three works that have completely different tones, But even the historic tragedy Shares story arcs, some key thematic bones, And caustic wit with the dark comedy. Though you may laugh … Continue reading February 15: On Coriolanus, Bethany, and The Elixir of Love
February 8: Uniformity
In any group that wears a uniform, A number of disparities you'll see, As some are souls who don't like to conform, And others who transgress unwittingly. Some men forgo the recommended vest, And ladies' skirts don't hide their patterned hose, And to be fair, the handbook's not expressed A ruling on rings in the … Continue reading February 8: Uniformity
Libby Weber 