Like all operas, Turandot, didn’t disappoint when it came to being a very tragic story. People in play were all selfish in their own rights, but in the end love is very powerful and can make anyone do things they usually wouldn’t have done. Due to the fact people were selfish, they were very ignorant about the people that truly loved them, the ones closest to them. Everything you do in life can affect the people closest to you, just like the tragic death of Liu, who gave her life up to protect her love, Calaf.
It’s very understandable why the Chinese government would ban this play because it portrayed the country to be a bit aggressive and liberal with their executions. The crowd (in the play) was getting very excited each time the royalty threatened to bring out the executioner, a little too excited. Also, the play showed a heavy divide in wealth, which contradicts the the communist mindset that China has implemented in its country. This divide in wealth can be seen between the characters of Turandot and Calaf (who was thought to be a slave), she was extremely elitist and wouldn’t have any other way but her way. The play contrasted heavily with the ideals that China had wanted its citizens to know about.
The ending with Liu’s death is very conflicting. In the end she died because her love for Calaf was too great and would do anything to protect him. Calaf did get to marry his “love,” Turandot, however at the cost of Liu’s life. Liu was quite devoted in making sure that Calaf was happy with his life; it takes a really strong person to give up their own life to protect and ensure that the people they care about live happily. In the very last moments she was able to tell Calaf that she loved him, and as result, Calaf was able to marry Turandot.
After listening to the music from the play it greatly shifted my emotions of the play. In the aria/solo, it felt a bit dragged out in length. It seemed that the purpose was to show the agony of emotions that was bottled up in the characters. The solo also emphasized Turandot’s elitist personality because the song was all focused towards her as she was explaining the riddles. The technique required to sing each piece required so much attention and life long practice; it really showed how much you can accomplish in the world if you just stick to anything you do.
Sarasota Opera production of Puccini’s Turandot
Indeed, Liu was a brave and loyal character. We applaud her for being a person of such high morals. It’s amazing how she sacrificed her life for Calaf. I don’t quite understand why Calaf was so blindly in love with Turnadot, but that’s alright. As I’ve mentioned in Maxwell’s post, I didn’t view Liu as significant to the story, but after reading your post and Maxwell’s post, I can see a clear connection. She is indeed significant.
Liu is quite a loyal and selfless character in the opera. Her love for Calaf is so great that she would do anything for him. She protected him even though all he wanted was to be with Turandot. Calaf had a moment of sadness when Liu died, but it seems as if he moved on really fast and went on to kiss Turandot. For this reason I dislike Calaf. All he cared about was himself. When he wanted to go answer the riddles, his father and Liu both begged him not to go. But he ignored their pleadings and did what he wanted to do. When Liu died for him, he briefly grieved then moved on. If he would have been sad longer for all that Liu has sacrificed for him, he would be a more likable character.
Yes, the opera is bittersweet. While Calaf was able to win over Turnadot and the two fell in love with each other, it was at the price of Liu’s life. This does lead to open debate whether the happy ending between Calaf and Turnadot was good or not. There is the question of which love is greater and more powerful – Turnadot and Calaf (for Turnadot’s iciness melted) or Liu’s love (because she did the ultimate sacrifice, she killed herself).
You have a very good point when you brought up how hearing the music of the Opera completely shifts the emotions and feelings you get. Also i can also agree that the show was very tragic but at the same time satisfying with the ending. I’m not saying the end result of the marriage justifies Luis death but it makes it seem a little better.