1st Imp or ...er...

Today I went to see Tan Dun's First Emporer with Hdez. Initially, I didn't have a positive reaction. Hdez waxed eloquoent over it, and I didn't say anything for a while because I was rather certain he was being sarcastic. But no, he actually enjoyed it. I liked parts (read: tritones), I agree that the second half was not as tight as the first, but I got freaking sick of the same damn melody that is STILL stuck in my head. The opera was alright I suppose, there were things that straight up pissed me off (that melody), and things that I liked (one of the choruses in particular...in the beginning). I didn't really like any of the characters, they were all pretty whiny and wussy. And I didn't like the text setting. But I would watch it again, I think. To reaffirm my opinion of it. To be absolutely sure.

I was impressed to learn that this opera, of which I caught an encore performance simulcast from the Met (I thought they were just re-playing the original) is scheduled again for next year, that this opera was so popular. I don't know how much of that is because of what people actually think about the opera, or if it's because it's "by-the-Crouching-Tiger-Hidden-Dragon-guy." How much of it is because he's a film composer? And does it even matter?

Talking afterwards with Hdez was good, refreshing that we had differing opinions too. And now he expects music! ah! must get cracking!