Today in seminar, we took a little look at two versions of “Washington Square”. The second version was known by the name of “The Heiress”. In these separate films, there were many similarities, but also many differences. In the black and white film, the character ‘Morris Townsend” is played by a young cunning, brunette man. He is clever in conversation upon his meeting with Catherine, especially when he shows her his book of acquaintances to be empty like hers. In the newer colored version, the character played by Morris is a little clumsier, and for some reason, a lot perkier. Especially around her father, where she would squeal for joy like a little girl. We watched both these since we were scheduled to view a broadway productions of “The Heiress” two days later. I found them to be very contrasting. I was also very curious how the ending of the actual broadway show would portray it. At the end of the class, we discussed a little bit about our papers and how we cited them ( when you quote a professional opinion).

James Baldassano October 10, 2012

In todays seminar class, we did a lot of discussion, getting right into it in the very start of class. Being that it was our first session since watching “Turandot”, we of course discussed it and how we felt about (for most of us, most likely) what was our first opera. It was truly an unusual experience for others, as well as myself. I found out that other classmates felt as I did. We all shared a mutual appreciation for how incredible the music was, as well as the scenery, but found the plot a little difficult to really indulge one’s self in. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic experience to have under my belt.

What really stood out about todays class was our visit from Professor Sorata (forgive my botching of his name, I didn’t catch the spelling!” and he seemed very excited about something he had accomplished. He had composed an entire symphonic piece. It was a Rhapsodic variation of Jewish Folk songs. We went into the definition of the meaning of a variation of a song. It is when you take a previously written song, and given a personal interpretation of it, keeping the general sound, but adding inflictions and more complex rhythms. Professor Soratas was very interesting, for he played us a recording of it. It had a very distinct sound, and since earlier in the class he performed a piano version of the original, we could definitely hear the similarities between the two. You could sing the original whilst listening to the variation piece. This was not how all pieces worked though, sometimes the variations strays from the original, with no more than mere traces from its predecessor piece. It was a very interesting experience for me, as I like to write songs in my spare time for piano (not nearly as magnificent) but it was definitely interesting, as I intend to make a variations on Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata”.

Instead of having class on wednesday, October 3rd, we did something that I never did before and will remember for a while. For the first time in my short 18 years of life, I attended an opera! It was a famous one at that, the acclaimed masterpiece known as “Turandot” by Giacomo Puccini. The story was about a land where a law was created in which “Any man who desires to wed Turandot (the princess) must first answer three riddles. If he fails, he will be beheaded.” It was  a very interesting plot, but to be frank, not my cup of tea. Don’t get me wrong, I thought the music was just as impressive as it was fantastic, as well as the breathtaking scenery. But I found it difficult to follow the story line (probably since it was in a foreign language, and in order to look at the translations, I would have to stare at the back of the sea in front of me), and confused at many points. Maybe its just my immature mind not yet accustomed to the mature entertainment of an opera, but maybe one day I will grow to appreciate it! This is how I was at first with classical music, but I absolutely love it now, especially Gustav Holst.

All in all, it was interesting to be introduced to a whole different cultural experience. It is something I can say I’m happy to of given a chance, and maybe I will grow to appreciate it, for I can learn to appreciate anything with good music, especially a beautiful rendition of “Nessun Dorma”, even if it isn’t Pavarotti singing!

On monday, October 1st, we had a very interesting seminar class. We took a look at a variety of voice pitches. We started off with the bass, which was the lowest pitch of the male range. We listened to an aria which was performed in the bass pitch, which I found very interesting, how such a deep voice could sing so beautifully. After that, we listened to the next highest pitch, which was a baritone. In addition, we listened to a few female voices, such as Habanera from Carmen. Other famous pieces were the aria from the Don Giovani. My favorite by far, however, was the 3 performances of Nessun Dorma by Pavarotti. With each passing performance, his emotion, as well as his range, aged like wine. His high C’s sounded more elegant and beautiful, his tone and pitch also became much more pleasant (not that they weren’t to begin with” with each video. His last performance ever at the 2006 Olympics, were something that truly gave me chills. It had a power of such magnitude, that it was literally heard around the world. My second favorite was Habanera from Carmen, which was an upbeat song about a promiscuous female. My third favorite was Largo al Factotum (Figaro), which was another upbeat song about a servant who is more loved than his master.

All in all, this lesson was a true eye opener. It opened my taste to a different area of music. Since I have already had a passion for classical music, especially Gustav Holst, the transition to appreciate opera music was easy.

9/12/12

In today’s seminar, we talked about how we judge the people around us, especially based on gender. We looked at a photo of Robert De Niro, and judged his appearance and our feelings on it. We looked  how he had scruffy facial hair, as if he knows who he is, and does’t feel the need to get all dressed up. We also examined his eyes, and how it has the “You talkin’ to me?” feel to it. But we concluded that he looks good, although if we saw a random person with his hair and scruff, we would classify them as a bum, rather than a famous actor. I realized that I do the same thing, when I see someone, I judge them based on their looks. Little do I know they could be a famous, rich musician possibly.

After this, we looked at the Mona Lisa yet again! We discussed how she was dressed nicely, sort of upper class. But after examining her appearance, especially her well kept hair and possibly silk clothes, we found that if she were to be as sloppy as Robert De Niro, we would condescend her.

Once we finished discussing how we judge the appearance, we talked about style. It made me wonder how I would define style. Personally, I feel that style is a representation of someone’s personality, and how they want them to envision them. That is in terms of dress, in terms of art, its a representation of the time they were in and they’re view on that period.

I got a lot from this lesson, we talked about other things after, but these were what I mainly extracted. From now on, I will truly look deeper into someone before judging their appearance.

9/10/12

Today in seminar, we looked at the Mona Lisa. This painting is arguably the most famous in the present world. It is famous for several reasons too, other than its beauty as a painting. The look she has is a sort of mysterious air about it. We discussed the contradiction of emotion between her cynical, mysterious eyes and the satisfied smirk she has on her face. Another thing we discussed was the background to this painting. While most people focus primarily on the lady in the painting, we focused on the background of it. The background is very interesting, to say the least. The scenery is a beautiful river along with mountains on the upper portion, but a desert in the lower portion. It has been concluded that this is a fictitious place, but is generally thought to be Italian. In my opinion, I am not a huge fan of the beauty, but I do appreciate the mysterious feel it has to it. It makes me wonder what she was looking at, or what was going on behind Da Vinci when he was painting it.

I know that these are my true feelings for they were what I experienced when I first looked at it, but I did not develop a true appreciation for its beauty after really looking at it.  Its similar to a first impression of a person, for they are usually how you truly feel about someone.

It was a very interesting class, and I took a lot out of it, especially the way I judge a painting’s beauty as well as its hidden meanings.