Opera Critique Rigoletto

The Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center is home for the world’s most creative and talented artists working in opera. Upon entering the building, the vicinity at Lincoln Center is unique and elegant. Approaching the Metropolitan Opera, a stylish and well-structured water fountain full of water is gushing while the off-white marble floor allures the visitor to the building. Entering the building, the glamorous and sophisticated snowflake-like chandeliers and winding staircase gives the visitor a welcoming feel. Before sitting, the visitor will notice the red carpets and the particular set-up of the theater. As the seats are elevated upward, there are sound cushions to promote a higher quality sound on the side balconies. What felt very informative were the captions in front of the seats, that also were available in other languages, to understand the singers. Guiseppe Verdi’s Rigoletto was written between 1850 and 1851. When the stage is first viewed, it is evident the time frame Verdi had written in. Rigoletto, played by George Gagnidze, is a hunch-baked jester that acts out the part very well. Costumes in the play were very detail- oriented and focused primarily on the way individuals dressed in the 19th century. The stage settings were altered according to Act, which represented very hard work and skill. During Act II, Gilda played by Christine Schafer, and Rigoletto join together in a duet that explains the courtship and Gilda’s abduction. The costumes, although could not be seen up close, were elegant for the time period. Rigoletto is dressed during this Act in a white, somewhat formal shirt beneath his regular vest – which was a dark brown, along with white tights underneath knee length shorts. As opposed to how individuals dressed today, it seemed outlandish but well- designed. The opera singers and orchestra had the most contribution to the performance. The pitch and vocals of the performers proved to be rich with character insight. Rigoletto contains a wealth of musical empowerment and melody. As the conductors of the orchestra are observed, it is apparent the time and practice placed into the performance were well spent. Compared to modern music, the orchestra conducted music that was pleasing to the ear that gave a new cultural view of other genres of music. Overall, the performance of Rigoletto at the Metropolitan Opera House at the Lincoln Center was an enriching experience. After only viewed one other play, The Christmas Music Spectacular at Rockefeller Center, it certainly offered a cultural background for the Italian culture. The theater itself was definitely an exquisite and elegant building that often is not found in the local area. The performance was an excellent portrayal of the 18th century as far as costumes and stage set-up while the musical aspect depicted the inspired drama set in Rigoletto. This experience has given an eye-opener to a different genre of music while setting an appreciation for other cultures.