Yesterday I went to the Staatsoper for the first time since I moved back to Wien. I can't say that it hasn't been somewhat of an inconvenience to be without power, but it hasn't been that bad. There is only so much I can read by candlelight, though. I arrived downtown about 2 hours before the performance, which proved to be good timing. Half an hour later I would have been at least twice as far back in line. Unfortunately I don't have any books that are small enough to keep in my coat pocket, so I just stood there for almost 2 hours. I got a good spot with a clear line of sight, and talked to a nice German man from near Baden-Baden before the performance.
It is definitely a time commitment but for 4 Euro it's well worth the wait. Nemorino was okay, but I couldn't help but feel that he didn't fill the entire hall. He reminded me of a taller Joe Pesci. Definitely no Juan Diego Florez, in any case. Dulcamara was probably the best singer, though Valentina Nafornita had a few great moments as Adina. I'm unsure whether I had built it up in my mind or perhaps the DVD version (at the Wiener Staatsoper, with the same set and costumes) made it feel much more close and intimate than it could be in real life. I really enjoyed it, regardless.
I should get back to take advantage of the light (though it's cold and overcast). My left wrist and shoulder have been hurting the past day or two, which concerns me. I'll see how I feel today and tomorrow at my lesson I will talk with Barbara. I hope to finally get everything put in order tomorrow. It'll all be worth it in the end.
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