“‘Singers are a little bit more careful now,’ he said. ‘I don’t know why. Maybe they fear reactions. Maybe they fear someone will say, “This is too much.” You have to forget everything about it not being beautiful enough and just do it…You have to forget yourself. I don’t lose control when I conduct, but I try to get into the scene and into the moment, into the action. I try to really let go, so it’s no more about technique or dictating, it’s about letting it happen.’” – from the New York Times article “‘Giovanni’ as Snapshot of a New Met.”

Even though we read this article a few weeks ago, this portion really inspires me because it can easily be applied to so much more than the creation of opera.  (I wonder if Mr. Luisi realizes that).  Although the concept is pretty abstract, this quotation applies to living artfully, as well.  A lot of times, we tend to refrain from doing things or pursuing certain dreams because, deep down, we are afraid of others’ reactions; but, according to Mr. Luisi, we simply have to let that go.

Just before this section of the article, the reporter says that Mr. Luisi believes that “there is a fine line between thorough rehearsing and overpreparation.”  Sometimes in life, we think we need to keep preparing for a certain opportunity when, really, we just need to step out and act, irregardless of what others may say.  What would happen if every actor and singer in the opera felt this tremendous pressure to always have everything perfect before performing in front of an audience?  Would they actually ever end up performing, or would they always be rehearsing?  As long as we put our best into what we are doing, the opinions of others should not weigh so heavily on us. Que será, será.