RKS Literature: Opera as a Revolting Monster (Voltaire)

Posted byRobert K Stephen (CSW)Posted inliteratureTags:, , , ,

“I would perhaps prefer opera, had they not discovered the secret of turning it into a monster that revolts me. I do not mind if people want to see bad tragedies set to music, the scenes serving only to introduce (and quite badly) one or two ridiculous songs intended to exhibit the actresses’ gullet. Good luck to those who wish to swoon with pleasure or are able to do so at seeing a castrato strutting awkwardly over the age, squawking away at the role of Caesar or Cato. As for me, I long ago turned my back on these paltry things that nowadays are the glory of Italy, and for which sovereigns pay so dearly.”

“Candide or Optimism”, Voltaire, 1759.

Published by Robert K Stephen (CSW)

Robert K Stephen writes about food ,drink, travel, film, and lifestyle issues. He also has published serialized novels "Life at Megacorp", "Virus # 26, "Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog" and "The Penniless Pensioner" Robert was the first associate member of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada. He also holds a Mindfulness Certification from the University of Leiden and the University of Toronto. Be it Spanish cured meat, dried fruit, BBQ, or recycled bamboo place mats, Robert endeavours to escape the mundane, which is why he has established this publication. His motto is, "Have Story, Will Write."

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