The Politics of Art & Authenticity

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Thursday night, October 18, was the first time I ever stepped foot in the Metropolitan Opera and watching an opera. I was taken back at first at how beautiful the building was. I was truly amazed at it. What I was more amazed at was the sound. Sitting up top has it perks, maybe the not the view, but what you hear. I wasn’t really intrigued with the play, probably because I don’t like to read subtitles and watch a show at the same time since I feel like my mind is being taken away by either the view or understanding the play. However, I really did like the music and how clear everything was. No microphones were used and I heard everything so clearly and precise as if I was sitting front row. I loved how everything can be heard because of the way the building was built and how the sound bounces off the walls so that everyone can hear everything without the need of microphones or speakers. I feel that microphones and speakers take away from the true sound of music and the true sound of a person’s voice and through the opera I was able to hear everything. Every pitch, every note, and every movement the characters made. I was truly taken back by the sounds. Although, the opera might not be my favorite thing, I would love to sit in that theater again and just hear an orchestra or just someone’s voice because the sound is just wonderful and amazing. The opera was definitely a new experience for me.