On Wednesday, October 3, our Seminar experience was to take a trip to see the opera at The Metropolitan Opera House.  Professor Kahan and Professor Monte took all of us to go see Turandot, composed by Giacomo Puccini, which is being performed at the Met during the months of September, October, and November.  Turandot tells the story of a Chinese princess who refuses to allow any man to marry her, for she fears being dominated by another human being.  She has devised a system over the years to prevent any man from marrying her.  When a suitor appears, seemingly with the intention to “woo” her and marry her, he is first met with three riddles to solve.  If he can solve these riddles, then he may have the honor of courting and marrying Turandot.  However, if he does not, Turandot has him beheaded.  She has devised such riddles that she knows can be solved by nobody, therefore, she will never have to marry anyone and can be independent, responsible only for herself for her entire life.  Her best-laid plan, however, is shaken with the appearance of Calaf, who remains “the Unknown Prince” until the very end of the opera. He is able to solve all three riddles and thus forces Turandot to face her fears of marrying and being eternally bound to a man.  Ultimately, he is able to convince Turandot that his purpose is no to dominate or conquer her, but to love her.  Her “icy wall” melts, and she learns not only how to love someone else, but that there are people who are genuinely good people, who want to love her, if only she would let them and trust them.  The theme of learning how to love and trust gives way to a happy and gratifying ending.

Turandot was my first opera, and it was definitely an amazing experience.  At first, we were in the last rows of the highest section; the sound was as clearly defined as if you were in floor seats, but while the view was incredible, there were still parts of the stage that were not clearly visible.  During the first intermission, Professor Kahan told us that she was going to scout out seats in the first few rows on the floor level.  I decided to go with her….and I was so glad I did.  I was able to get a seat in the 3rd row…I had not only a perfect view of the stage, actors, costumes, and sets, but the orchestra was right below me.  So I was at my first opera…in the 3rd row…seeing an outstanding performance.

The only part of the opera that disappointed me was the performance of “Nessun Dorma“.  After seeing the videos of Luciano Pavarotti performing this piece, it seems that other performances dim in comparison.  Tonight’s performance of “Nessun Dorma” did not really match that of Pavarotti.  However, I did very much enjoy the piece performed by Liu before she takes her own life.

All in all, the opera was definitely a more than satisfying performance.  I was very excited to go to the opera and I was not disappointed.  Two weeks from now, we will be attending the Broadway production of The Heiress and I am looking forward to another amazing performance.