206.205.176.3
In Reply to: RE: When Walter Ducloux was teaching at Stanford. . . posted by Chris from Lafayette on October 18, 2009 at 10:10:51
But I would much prefer that they simply cast the parts with singers who fit the part. Just as Hollywood actors and actresses make a concerted effort to maintain their appearance, and are cast in roles appropriate to their age and looks, so it should be in opera. Just as Deborah Voigt was dismissed from the role of her role as Ariadne in Richard Strauss’ “Ariadne auf Naxos” because she had become so obese, directors should simply cast singers who are the best fit for the parts in their operas, rather than perpetuate the current practice. There are plenty of very talented singers who do not weigh 300 lbs.
This is one area in which the Eurotrash directors have made positive steps. Since they commonly require nudity on stage, even by those in key roles, they are not so inclined to hire obese singers for those roles.
If more directors and opera houses made clear their intention to cast individuals who actually fit their roles, the singers will take more care to take their appearance seriously. Deborah Voight returned several years later to play the role of Ariadne, slimmer and most successfully.
"Life without music is a mistake" (Nietzsche)
Follow Ups:
Post a Followup:
Top of Page ]
[ Contact Us ]
[ Support/Wish List ]
[ Copyright © 2009, Audio Asylum, all rights reserved ]
[ Go Green ]
[ Take5 ]