Monday, May 07, 2007

Dvorak's Song to the Moon (from the Rusalka)

Dvorák's Song to the Moon from the Rusalka is Dvorák's most famous aria.
It is an amazingly heart-wrenching aria.
It begins with a short string introduction, then the voice comes in. The voice is occasionally interrupted at a climax by a very pastoral woodwind imitation of the previous phrase. This helps create a feeling of loss and makes it a very beautiful aria.
The story of the Rusalka is basically a cross between the Little Mermaid and Undine, with elements of Czech mythology.
It was recently performed by Opera Australia. I really wanted to go.

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