Opera-The Two Foscari

Today, we left much earlier than usual because Carmegeddon was in full swing.  A portion of the 405 Freeway was shutdown far beyond where we would be traveling, but the closure could increase traffic flow in other areas of L.A. as people use alternative routes.  We got there with no problems, so that allowed us to relax and have dinner at First and Hope at a more leisurely pace. 

This time we ordered a wedge lettuce salad and short rib sliders. I always like the salad, but the sliders were okay.  Not enough filling and it had bean sprouts in it. Yech.

After dinner we went to hear a portion of the lecture by James Conlon, which I didn’t get much out of since we came in the middle as he played bits and pieces of the upcoming Opera.

As we waited for the performance to begin, we see Pau Gosal towering over everyone else as he and his wife go to 2^nd row center, far better seats than ours.  How did that happen? ;-)

During intermission, we observed Pau head outside the lobby area and he was so gracious. So many people wanted to talk to him or have their picture taken with him and he did accommodated everyone with a smile.

Back to the Opera.  Placido Domingo starred in this production that takes place in Venice.  His son, Jacopo is unjustly accused of a crime against the state.  Placido plays his father, the Doge of Venice.  He tries to help his son, but cannot due to his position.  Jacopo’s wife, Lucrezia pleads for mercy with the court and Foscari.  It is particularly heart wrenching because she brings her children who also kneels in court begging for clemency for their father. 

But the court finds Jacopo guilty and exiles him with no chance of seeing his family again.  When the boat departs Venice, he commits suicide because of his despair of leaving his home and family.  It is ironic that when the boat departs, a messenger arrives with evidence that the charges against Jacopo are false. 

Foscari is deeply saddened and there is increased pressure when the Council demands his resignation. Foscari then dies of a broken heart with the loss of his position and his son, Jocopo.  Placido is wonderful in this role and there are so many wonderful arias in this Opera.  This is a new Opera for us that we will see again.