#Patricia Racette

[mstanyawinslow]

[lesser-known-composers]

Patricia Racette in Zemlinsky's opera "Der Traumgörge" Here is Gertraud's big aria. James Conlon conducts the Kölner Philharmoniker.

[sondheims-hat]

Some notable Foscas.

Donna Murphy (1994), Maria Friedman (1996), Anne Kanengeiser (1996), Judy Kuhn (2002), Patricia Racette (2004), Vera Mann (2004), Patti LuPone (2005), Ana Gasteyer (2007), Elena Roger (2010), Vasiliki Roussi (2011), Judy Kuhn (2013), Theresa Borg (2014),  Liz Filios (2015), Natalie Dessay (2016), Annica Edstam (2017), Natascia Diaz (2018), Shiela Valderrama-Martinez (2019), Janie Dee (2019), Ruthie Henshall (2022)

[infinitelytheheartexpands]

finding out that patricia racette trolled rené pape at a gala is the best thing to happen today

[girlsontelephone]

[yourdailyqueer]

Patricia Racette

Gender: Female

Sexuality: Lesbian

DOB: 23 June 1965  

Ethnicity: White

Occupation: Opera singer

[lesbianishstuff]

This was my first time seeing Heggie and McNally’s Dead Man Walking. During the pre-talk the speaker from the Chicago Sun-Times warned us about the graphic nature of the opening. Even with the notice it was still shocking and repulsive. I have to give props to the sound department at Lyric. When Joseph stabs The Girl 37 times you can hear the knife enter her flesh over and over again. It was a graphic, deplorable, disgusting start to the opera.

The most surprising thing about this opera was how much it made me think. I questioned myself so many times and I find I’m still questioning myself.

In mid act one I found myself feeling compassion towards Joseph and his bleak situation. Yes he killed a woman, raped her, stabbed her 37 times, but at the moment what was the point of him dying? Why put his family through the hell he put the Boy and Girl’s family through? Yes tax payers would feed him, house him, take care of him, but is it the courts place to kill? For me that was the central question which kept circling around in my head as the opera progressed.

My empathy for him disappeared during the confession scene with Sister Helen. Joseph blames a woman who slips him something in his drink that makes him go ‘crazy’. He then comes on to the woman but she laughs at him. Because of her laughing at him, she drove him to go to the lake to see if he could find a woman. How many times in my life have I heard that excuse? A woman humiliates a man and drives him to do something deplorable. Even while he is repenting the only thing he can find within himself to wish is for her not to scream. Not that he didn’t rape or kill her, but that she screamed.

At the finale, for a solid five minutes, the entire house was silent. It was a large crowd, pretty close to sold out from what I could see. This opera is extremely riveting and the cast had us in the palm of their hands. After the ending it felt almost wrong to applaud. The audience didn’t, not much, until the principals came out.

Patricia Racette was extremely good in the role of Sister Helen. I was questioning her casting but she surprised me. She has good technique but I’m not in love with her voice. She was decent enough in the role but she didn’t blow me out of the water.

Ryan McKinny was equally good. I wouldn’t say he was great but he looked the part and has a good voice.

I’m sure I’m biased but the show was stole by Susan Graham. Within her two scenes she upstaged everybody. Her portrayal of a simple woman who has lived a horribly hard life was heart wrenching. Her voice is still in phenomenal shape, warm, glittery, and easily floats up to hit the high notes. In her final scene as Mrs. De Rocher our entire row lost it. The scene with the camera was just … hard.

Sister Rose, an up and coming soprano was a highlight as was (home guy) Wayne Tigges. He always surprises me how big and splendid his voice is.

I enjoyed the staging of this production (org. Huston). It was a horrible opera, an astounding production, with an incredible cast. I’m proud that Lyric took a chance on this opera. I think they are probably pleasantly surprised with the attendance. For me this is the kind of piece that makes art, especially opera so relevant.

@achorusgirl

[mezzowatch]

Today’s mood: joyce yelling ‘WOOoo’ as she charges out of an interview with patricia

Bonus mood: the mutual heart eyes in the second pic

[citrusandbergamot]

I want that DRESS

[mstanyawinslow]

THIS!

““Being able to stand onstage in front of 4,000 people and captivate them, and use those little flaps of skin in your throat called your vocal chords to do so, and then infuse it with your energy and your heart and soul, that is a divine experience and I think that’s the wonder of it.””

— Patricia Racette

[opera-simplified]

Opera Simplified #6: I Lombardi alla prima crociata

I Lombardi alla prima crociata (The Lombards at the First Crusade)

Opera Simplified #6

The Basics:

Music: Giuseppe Verdi

Libretto: Temistocle Solera

Premiere: February 11, 1843; Teatro alla Scala, Milan.

Based on: Tommaso Grossi’s epic poem of the same name, available here in Italian.

Setting: Milan, Antioch, and various locations in the desert near Jerusalem; 1095-1099 CE.

Characters:

Arvino, a nobleman, one of the two sons of Lord Folco of Rò—tenor 

Viclinda, his wife—soprano

Pagano, his brother—bass

Giselda, Arvino and Viclinda’s daughter—soprano

Pirro, Arvino’s squire—bass

Acciano, Governor of Antioch—bass 

Sofia, his wife—soprano

Oronte, their son—tenor

A Prior of the City of Milan—tenor

Recommended Audio Recordings: if you can get over the presence of The Tenor Turned Baritone Who Shall Not Be Named [yours truly opts to skip over the parts featuring That Singer, as luckily there are not many such parts], this 1971 recording also starring Cristina Deutekom and Ruggero Raimondi is quite good (YouTube; Spotify). Another quite good recording, with That One Conductor From The Met Who Shall Not Be Named, June Anderson, Samuel Ramey, Luciano Pavarotti, Richard Leech, and young Patricia Racette and Ildebrando d’Arcangelo in supporting roles is this nice 1996 take (YouTube; Spotify). A third is this live recording from Parma in 2009 (YouTube; Spotify).

Recommended Video Recordings: The Met 1993 production, which has [unfortunately] the same conductor as the 1996 recording but also Ramey, Pavarotti, and the delightful Lauren Flanigan, is great (and also the source of the vast majority of the featured video clips). The 2009 Parma production is pretty good too, as is this 1999 Santiago production (Part I; Part II).

The Opera, Very Simplified: After one of the Folco brothers returns from exile to (allegedly) reconcile with his brother, who himself has been named leader of the Lombard forces for the First Crusade, things could not look more rosy. But when the brother just returned from exile horribly botches an attempt to murder the other brother, that combined with the family’s imminent departure for the Crusade throws the family into chaos, especially when the heiress to the family is captured by the enemy and summarily falls in love with a local prince...and who is the mysterious hermit helping the Lombards at every turn anyway?

A couple more things:

Here’s some quick geographical/historical context going in, courtesy of your history and European studies dual-degree student and series author.

DISCLAIMER: the author of this Opera Simplified would like to make explicitly clear that she roundly condemns both the Islamophobic nature of the Crusades and the Islamophobic sentiments that certain characters in this opera voice. At the same time, she has also written about how this opera was not intended to be Islamophobic, although there are certain potentially uncomfy aspects to the drama on account of the subject matter.

With that in mind,

THE OPERA:

Prelude (note: as written, this goes directly into the first act)

ACT I: La vendetta (Revenge) **

Scene 1:

Outside the Church of Sant’Ambrogio in Milan, 1095. Joyful music can be heard coming from the church. A bunch of men come out of the church into the square.

Some Men: THIS IS SO WONDERFUL

Other Men: I know, right? Everyone looked so happy!

Some Men: Yeah, well, everyone except Pagano. He still looks like he’s filled with terror.

All the Men: YEAH HIS EYES ARE STILL HOLLOW AND HE STILL LOOKS LIKE HE’S TORMENTED LIKE ALL THOSE YEARS AGO 

I mean, we’re not saying it’s impossible to change, but really: it’s very rare for fury like a wolf’s to turn into peace like a lamb’s.

*A bunch of women run in.*

Women: Hey, it’s dark out, so out of curiosity, what’s going on in the church? Why does it sound so festive in there?

Men: Oh, haven’t you heard? It’s a ceremony of forgiveness and reconciliation between Pagano and his family. Pagano had to agree to it before his exile was allowed to be lifted.

Women: Exile? For what? Tell us!

Men: ...How do none of you know this story?

Women: Well, we do, but the audience doesn’t.

Men: *heavy collective sigh*...Fine.

So y’all know Viclinda, right?

Women: Yup! Great gal.

Men: Right. She was this young woman, very beautiful, very gentle and kind. So of course all the most eligible young bachelors in Milan wanted desperately to marry her. And two of those bachelors were Arvino and Pagano, the two sons of Lord Folco. And of course, Viclinda and Arvino fell head over heels for each other, and she picked him to be her husband.

Women: And now they’re such a wonderful couple!

Men: But that’s not all. Pagano couldn’t get over the rejection, so he swore revenge, and one day when Arvino and Viclinda were going to church, he tried to ambush and murder Arvino! Thank God it failed, but Pagano was sent into exile in the Holy Land so he could pray at all the holy places and repent of his sins. He’s been away for many years now, he’s done that, and now he’s been allowed to come back.

...You got that, audience?

Women: They can’t talk to you. That would be violating the commonly-accepted rules of operatic theatricality.

Men: SO WHY DID YOU HAVE US TELL THAT ENTIRE STORY IF WE CAN’T EVEN TELL WHETHER OR NOT THEY UNDERSTAND

Women: Because if you didn’t, they definitely wouldn’t. Now they have...a chance.

Men: Can’t they just read their program books?

Women: When has anyone ever read the program book? ***

Men: Touché.

Is there going to be any more of this quasi-metatheatrical, break-the-fourth-wall exposition-type thing?

Women: As far as we know, no.

Men: Good.

Women: HERE THE FAMILY COMES NOW THEY ALL LOOK SO HAPPY

Men: BUT PAGANO STILL LOOKS LIKE HE’S FILLED WITH TERROR

Everyone: YEAH HIS EYES ARE STILL HOLLOW AND HE STILL LOOKS LIKE HE’S TORMENTED LIKE ALL THOSE YEARS AGO 

I mean, we’re not saying it’s impossible to change, but really: it’s very rare for fury like a wolf’s to turn into peace like a lamb’s.

*Pagano, Arvino, Viclinda, Giselda, and Pirro appear, preceded by Priors of the City of Milan and servants with torches. Pagano kneels.*

Pagano: Because this is the scene of my attempted crime, it is only fitting that this is the place where I, humble and repentant, ask forgiveness of all of you, the world, and God.

Arvino: Come here! Let me seal your forgiveness with a kiss.

*They kiss each other on the cheek and embrace.*

People: LONG LIVE ARVINO HE’S SUCH A GREAT PERSON

Viclinda, Giselda, Pirro, and People: And now, let there be peace!

Pagano: (What shame I feel!)

Giselda: Dad, are you alright? What’s the matter? You’re shaking, you’re turning pale...this should be a happy moment! I’m so happy our whole family is finally back together for the first time in my life; are you not happy too?

Arvino: (For a moment, I trusted him, I could have shared anything with him, but one look at the fury in his eyes and my whole heart froze up and now I’m suspicious...)

Pagano: (Pirro, you understand me. Not even Heaven itself will protect them from me! They dared to hurt me when I loved her all those years ago, and now they want me to play nice and make peace with them! Not happening!)

Pirro: (Pagano, whatever order you give me will be exactly what I do. I know a lot of people who would be more than happy to assist you; we can all meet up tonight to plan.)

Viclinda: I’m just happy that things seem to be looking up...my love, are you not happy too?

People: THEY’VE RECONCILED BUT STILL LET’S ALL HOPE THIS ISN’T LIKE THE KISS WITH WHICH JUDAS BETRAYED JESUS BECAUSE WE ALL STILL HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF A BAD FEELING ABOUT THIS

*One of the Priors of the City of Milan steps forward.*

The Prior: AND NOW FOR AN ANNOUNCEMENT

People: ooh we like announcements

The Prior: PETER THE HERMIT HAS BEEN GETTING EVERYONE SUPER-EXCITED ABOUT THE FIRST CRUSADE AND WELL LONG STORY SHORT THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY HAVE DECIDED THAT ARVINO WILL COMMAND THE LOMBARD CRUSADERS ****

Everyone: HOORAY

Arvino: I accept this challenge and I look forward to fulfilling my task even to bloodshed and beyond. 

Pagano, today just got even better! Let’s vow to remain faithful to one another forever!

Arvino and Pagano: LET’S FORGET ALL THE HATRED BETWEEN US AND FIGHT TOGETHER AGAINST THE ENEMY

Everyone Else: MAY SHAME AND DISHONOR STRIKE ANYONE WHO BREAKS THEIR SACRED OATH AND IF ANYONE KILLS ANYONE ELSE MAY THE KILLER NEVER KNOW A MOMENT OF PEACE ON THIS EARTH

*Everyone leaves. A chorus of nuns begins to sing from offstage.* *****

Nuns: THE NIGHT IS DARK AND FULL OF TERRORS SO HYMN TIME

Dear God, please let us have sweet dreams and bring peace to the world and foil the plots of those who want to violate their sacred word and betray others...and in return, we will sing even more joyfully tomorrow!

*Pagano and Pirro enter.*

Pagano: hahahahahahahaha that’s hilarious that you really think that your prayers will be heeded because I myself about to do the exact thing y’all are praying won’t happen and I am not going to fuck it up

Pirro, I need you to understand something: I’m not inherently a bad person; IT’S LOVE’S FAULT I’M LIKE THIS BECAUSE LOVE COULD HAVE EITHER MADE ME THE BEST AND MOST PIOUS PERSON ALIVE OR MADE ME ACT LIKE THIS AND LOOK WHAT IT PICKED

Nuns: Bring peace to the world...

Pagano: And as for you, Viclinda, did you really believe I could forget you? While you’ve been off being happy, I’ve only been hurting because MY LOVE FOR YOU HAS ONLY GROWN WITH TIME IT’S LIKE A VOLCANO

I’M NEVER GONNA GIVE YOU UP NEVER GONNA LET YOU DOWN NEVER GONNA RUN AROUND OR DESERT YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOU

Pirro: Hey, I’ve gotten a bunch of men together. You can rely on them to help you, just say the word.

Pagano: Let me see them.

*Pirro points to some nearby bushes, where the hired assassins are hidden.*

They need to set the palace on fire.

*The assassins come out of the bushes.*

It’s a very dangerous job I’m asking you to do: Arvino has lots of servants and guards. However, anyone who does their job well will be richly rewarded for their efforts.

Assassins: WE’RE NOT AFRAID WE DO THIS ALL THE TIME AND WE’RE REALLY GOOD AT OUR JOB AND WE LOVE IT LIKE WE CAN JUST GO KILL SOMEONE AND THEN GRAB A BITE TO EAT RIGHT AFTERWARDS IT’S GREAT

Nuns: Foil the plots of those who want to violate their sacred word and betray others...

Pagano: AT LAST MY REVENGE IS WITHIN SIGHT AFTER SO MANY YEARS OF BEING OBSESSIVELY IN LOVE AND OBSESSED WITH GETTING THIS ONE WOMAN AT ALL COSTS I DON’T CARE ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE JUST THAT ONCE UPON OF TIME I WOULD HAVE EVEN GLADLY SPILLED MY BLOOD IF IT MEANT WINNING HER BUT NOW I’LL WIN HER AND THE ONLY PERSON SPILLING BLOOD WILL BE ARVINO

Pirro and Assassins: JUST TELL US WHAT TO DO AND WE WILL DO IT

*They all leave.*

Scene 2:

A large passageway in the Folco family’s palace, which leads to Arvino’s rooms on the left and another set of rooms on the right. A single lamp lights the way. Viclinda enters, visibly worried.

Viclinda: I’m trembling all over, even in the depths of my soul...no. I don’t think he’s truly sorry for what he tried to do to Arvino and me. His face...that was a look of anger, not of repentance. 

*Giselda enters.*

There you are, Giselda! Come here. This whole situation, it just feels so dangerous, and I’m willing to do just about anything to keep that danger away...so you and I, let us make a vow right here before God: if He protects Arvino tonight, you and I will go barefoot to the Holy Sepulchre and pray there. ******

*Arvino emerges from his rooms.*

Arvino: Viclinda, dear, take Giselda with you and go into my rooms, but do not go to bed just yet.

Giselda: Oh God! What’s happening? I don’t understand, what’s this danger everyone’s afraid of?

Arvino: My father will be staying with you two in my rooms for the night. I’ll go investigate—I think I hear people running around, here, in the middle of the night! To be fair, it could just be me being paranoid what with Pagano being back and all, but it never hurt anyone to check and make sure everything’s okay. You two, turn in for the night.

*He leaves.*

Giselda: Holy Virgin, hear my prayer...

*Giselda and Viclinda kneel.*

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Virgin, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, that He may look upon us in mercy at the hour of our death. Amen.

*They rise and go into Arvino’s rooms, leaving the passageway empty. After a few moments, Pagano and Pirro enter.*

Pirro: Come, the time is right: the coast is clear, and a servant told me that Arvino is already sound asleep in his room.

Pagano: Excellent! Put out that lamp. In just a minute, there will be plenty of light because THE FLAMES WILL BE LIT TO SIGNAL THE TRIUMPH OF MY VENGEANCE

Anyway, wait here.

*He cautiously enters Arvino’s rooms. Moments later, fire appears elsewhere in the palace.*

Pirro: THE HIRED MEN ARE SETTING EVERYTHING ON FIRE AND ALSO I HEAR SWORDS LET’S GO

*He draws his sword and runs off. Giselda runs out of Arvino’s rooms and off to find her father. Shortly after this Pagano enters, holding Viclinda at dagger point.*

Viclinda: OH MY GOD PAGANO YOU HORRIBLE MAN ARVINO HELP ME

Pagano: ASKING ME AT DAGGER POINT TO RELEASE YOU DOES NOT MAKE IT ANY MORE LIKELY THAT I WILL RELEASE YOU SO SHUT UP AND COME WITH ME

Viclinda: I WOULD RATHER DIE AT YOUR FEET

Pagano: WELL I’M NOT GOING TO LET YOU DIE BECAUSE I WANT YOU OH AND WHO EXACTLY IS GOING TO SAVE YOU FROM ME???

NO ONE WILL FREE YOU FROM ME AND THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO WILL ANSWER YOUR CRIES AND YOUR SCREAMING ARE MY HIRED ASSASSINS SO DON’T YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT RESISTING

*The fire within the palace is extinguished.*

ONCE AGAIN THERE IS NO ONE TO HEAR YOU

*Enter Arvino with Giselda, Pirro, servants, and other people.*

Arvino: ACTUALLY I’M HERE AND I HEAR HER

Pagano: (WHAT?! ARVINO?!?! HE’S SUPPOSED TO BE DEAD!!!)

Arvino: Well, I’m still very much alive and unharmed, thank you. ALSO WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING

Pagano: Wait...but I stabbed someone...I thought I killed you...and my sword is covered in blood...

So if I didn’t stab you at all, let alone kill you...then who did I kill?

Giselda and Viclinda: THAT WAS YOUR FATHER

Pagano: I KILLED WHO NOW?!?!?!?!

Everyone Else: WAIT OH MY GOD WHAT THE FUCK

*Pagano drops his dagger.*

Everyone Except Pagano: PAGANO YOU ARE A MONSTER FROM HELL AND WHY CAN’T THE EARTH JUST SWALLOW YOU UP OR GOD STRIKE YOU DOWN WITH LIGHTNING RIGHT NOW BECAUSE HEAVEN RECOILS FROM YOU IN HORROR

Pagano: CAN THE EARTH JUST SWALLOW ME UP OR GOD STRIKE ME DOWN WITH LIGHTNING RIGHT NOW BECAUSE THIS WENT REALLY, REALLY WRONG AND NOW HEAVEN RECOILS FROM ME IN HORROR

Arvino: MOTHERFUCKER YOU MURDERED YOUR OWN FATHER SO NOW I’M GOING TO MURDER YOU BECAUSE FAIR IS FAIR AND THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT HYPOCRITICAL AT ALL AND YOU’LL DIE UPON THE CORPSE OF THE FATHER YOU MURDERED

*He makes to stab Pagano but Giselda intervenes.*

Giselda: EVERYONE PLEASE STOP TRYING TO MURDER EACH OTHER BECAUSE TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE A RIGHT AND ALSO IT’S NOT GOING TO RESOLVE ANYTHING IT’LL JUST MAKE EVERYTHING WORSE

Pagano: OH SO ARVINO NOW YOU’RE HESITATING??? LOOK I’LL JUST TAKE MY OWN LIFE THEN SO ALL’S AVENGED

*He grabs his sword and attempts to kill himself, but the guards prevent him.*

The People: YOUR PUNISHMENT WILL BE TO LIVE WITH YOUR GUILT IN EXILE BECAUSE THAT’LL BE MORE OF A TORMENT TO YOU THAN DEATH

Pagano: GOD HAS STRUCK ME WITH THE MARK OF CAIN BECAUSE I ACCIDENTALLY KILLED MY OWN FATHER AND NOW I’LL HAVE TO LIVE WITH MY TERROR UNTIL I DIE AND NO MATTER WHERE I GO I WILL NEVER KNOW ANY PEACE BECAUSE MY DEMONS WILL ALWAYS BE THERE

Everyone Else: GOD HAS STRUCK YOU WITH THE MARK OF CAIN AND TERROR WILL CONSUME YOU EVEN MORE THAN ALL THE TORMENTS OF HELL AND NO MATTER WHERE YOU GO YOU WILL NEVER KNOW ANY PEACE BECAUSE YOUR DEMONS WILL ALWAYS BE THERE

Notes

ACT II: L’uomo della caverna (The Man of the Cave)

Because Solera apparently thought it would be a great idea to scatter a bunch of exposition in a rather confusing manner throughout Act II, here’s a roundup of most of the major stuff that happened in between acts.

Scene 1:

A hall in Acciano’s palace in Antioch, 1098. Acciano is seated on his throne; before him stand ambassadors, soldiers, and people.

Ambassadors: SO ALL OF THESE THINGS YOU’RE SAYING ARE TRUE?!?!

Acciano: ...Yup. I saw them and their weapons with my own two eyeballs.

Ambassadors: THE SHEER AUDACITY THEY HAVE TO THINK THAT THEY CAN JUST UP AND LEAVE THEIR HOMES AND RUN ALL OVER OURS BUT THEY WILL BE STRUCK DOWN BY THE PROPHET MOHAMMED’S THUNDERBOLTS

Acciano: They’re cruel and mean and ruthless! All they do is rape and pillage and murder and all they leave behind is destruction!

Everyone: ALLAH WE ARE UNDER ATTACK SO COME DOWN AND HELP FIGHT FOR US AND PUNISH THE ENEMY AND THAT WILL MAKE US EVEN BRAVER 

WE SWEAR TO PUT ASIDE OUR DIFFERENCES AND RIVALRIES SO WE CAN RISE AS ONE AND DO OUR BEST SO WITH YOUR HELP THEY WON’T BE ABLE TO ESCAPE

*They exit. Oronte and Sofia, the latter veiled, meet up.*

Oronte: Mom, what’s Giselda doing? How is she?

Sofia: The bad news: she’s still pretty much the same—she’s still sighing, weeping, crying out for her family...poor girl. The good news: she loves you.

Oronte: YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY THERE IS NO ONE ON EARTH HAPPIER THAN ME BECAUSE I LOVE HER SO MUCH

Sofia: (Dear God, please let this be a way to touch my son’s mind and heart!)

Oronte: If only I could make her as happy as I am! If only I could use my love to make the universe even more harmonious and beautiful, especially for her! If only we could go to Heaven together and fly where no other mortals can go and try to keep us apart!

Sofia: About that last thing you said...You do know that you cannot marry her if one of you doesn’t convert, and it would be better if you were the one to convert to her faith.

Oronte: Oh, I completely agree with you!

Sofia: Thank God!

Oronte: You know, I keep thinking that she must be right and that her God must be the true God!

I mean, think about it: how could Heaven create such a wonderful, lovely angel of a woman and not grant her divine truth? Please, take me to her, let me see her, let me find comfort for my mind and heart with her!

Sofia: AN ANGEL HAS GRANTED YOU THIS LOVE IN ORDER TO SAVE YOU

Oronte: HOW COULD SHE BE WRONG LET ME SEE HER AND FIND COMFORT WITH HER

*They leave.*

Scene 2:

A mountain overhang outside of Antioch, which has the opening to a cave; June 2, 1098. A hermit emerges from the cave. **

The Hermit: Still nothing...absolutely nothing! WHEN WILL THE CRUSADERS EVER GET HERE??? WILL I NEVER GET THE CHANCE TO REDEEM MYSELF BY FIGHTING AGAINST THOSE WICKED MUSLIMS???

Still nothing...absolutely nothing! When will I ever have peace? But really, that is folly to even think about—I do not deserve peace. But God alone is just, and may He bless grief and suffering.

And yet...when I hear the Crusaders cry “God wills it!”, when I see their crosses shine...MY HEART WILL COME ALIVE AND I’LL TAKE MY SWORD AND FIGHT AND WIN FORGIVENESS

*He sees a figure in the distance.*

Wait, who’s coming here?...He’s dressed in Muslim garb; I need to get inside my refuge!

*He turns to retreat into the cave as Pirro enters.*

Pirro: DON’T LEAVE HAVE MERCY ON ME EVERYONE’S SAYING YOU’RE THE ONE TO COME TO WITH SPIRITUAL MATTERS AND SUCH BECAUSE YOU’RE SO HOLY AND I NEED ABSOLUTION

*He kneels before the Hermit.*

Okay, so: my name is Pirro. I’m originally from Lombardy but I assisted in what turned out to be a patricide, so I fled here and renounced my faith, but I feel HORRIBLE about that so PLEASE FORGIVE ME

The Hermit: Get up! Take heart! It’s not too late for you.

Pirro: If it's relevant at all, I’m also in charge of the gates of Antioch.

*Loud noises and military music can be heard in the distance.*

The Hermit: What’s that noise?

Pirro: Those are the Crusaders.

The Hermit: DID YOU SAY THOSE ARE THE CRUSADERS ARE YOU TELLING ME THE TRUTH

*Pirro nods.*

WELL THEN WE CAN BOTH FIND FORGIVENESS WITH THE CRUSADE THANKS BE TO GOD THERE IS NO LIMIT TO HIS MERCY

Pirro, I will grant you full forgiveness of your sins if you open the gates of that wicked city to the Crusaders and let them in and give the city over to Heaven!

*The military music is now much closer.*

Pirro: I SWEAR THAT I MYSELF WILL OPEN THE GATES OF ANTIOCH TO THE CRUSADERS TONIGHT

The Hermit: THEY’RE ALMOST HERE HALLELUJAH

*The Crusaders begin to arrive at the hermitage.*

OH MY GOD THEY’RE LOMBARDS

Pirro: AND I’M STILL IN HOT WATER WITH THEM

The Hermit: Go, claim sanctuary in my cave.

*The two of them go into the cave. The Hermit quickly reemerges with a sword and donning a helmet as the Lombard Crusaders, led by Arvino, enter.*

NOW I CAN USE YOU AND BE A WARRIOR AGAIN MY WONDERFUL SWORD AND HELMET

Arvino: Are you the hermit who lives here?

The Hermit: Yes, that would be me. What do you ask of me?

Arvino: Your prayers, so we do not have any chance of being struck with God’s wrath. You’re the only one who can intercede with God to prevent that!

The Hermit: ...Do you know who I am?

Arvino: YEAH YOU’RE THE SUPER-EFFECTIVE HERMIT EVERYONE IN THE AREA TOLD US ABOUT THEY SAID THAT GOD HIMSELF APPEARS TO YOU

Anyway, I have a bit of a problem on my hands: my daughter Giselda was kidnapped by a band of Muslims. I tried to pursue them and get her back, but they were too fast for us, so as far as I know she’s being held prisoner in Antioch. And also this is definitely the only thing I’m worried about right now and her safety and well-being are definitely my top priority and this is definitely the only reason we’re trying to get into Antioch.

The Hermit: Tell me one thing: do you have a large and strong army?

Arvino: Yes.

The Hermit: Alright, then you should be seeing your beloved daughter very soon.

Arvino: I’m just going to completely ignore you saying that and instead show you the AMAZING army we’ve put together!

*He leads the Hermit to a lookout point.*

See that? That’s all of Europe right there, all gathered under Godfrey of Bouillon and ready to strike! ***

The Hermit: THAT’S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING I’VE EVER SEEN IN MY LIFE but anyway it’s starting to get dark so we need to get a move on

FOLLOW ME BECAUSE I SWEAR TO YOU THAT TONIGHT YOU WILL BE WITHIN THE WALLS OF ANTIOCH AND THIS IS DEFINITELY DIVINE INTERVENTION AND MY SUPER-STRONG FAITH AND I’M NOT SAYING THAT BECAUSE I JUST GOT INTEL OR ANYTHING

Arvino: YOU’VE CALLED US TO GLORY AND WE ARE BURNING WITH HOLY ZEAL READY TO FIGHT

Everyone: STUPID ALLAH OUR WRATH WILL FALL UPON YOU AND WE WILL WIPE ISLAM OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH SO THE HOLY WORD OF OUR GOD WILL RESOUND EVERYWHERE

THE CROSS IS ALREADY SHINING WITH LIGHT THAT LOOKS LIKE THE BLOOD WE’LL SHED WHEN WE TRIUMPH OVER THE BARBARIC INFIDELS AND KILL THEM ****

*They all leave.*

Scene 3:

Inside the harem of Acciano’s palace in Antioch, later the same day. Giselda is dejectedly sitting on a sofa; the other women of the harem are scattered around the room, gossiping about her.

Women: LOOK AT THE BEAUTIFUL FOREIGN GIRL WHO CAPTURES EVERYONE’S HEARTS LET’S ALL DANCE AROUND HER

Why is she always crying when she has the best of everything and Oronte only loves her? Hmm, why did you leave your family and your home behind? Was it perhaps because you couldn’t find a lover to suit your whims and thought you’d have better luck here? 

Look at those splendid eyes...oh, what does the foreign beauty desire? We’ll definitely do it for her! Such a foolish and proud girl—she’ll soon see her family and people be beaten and die!

Alright, let’s go, she’s too depressed, perhaps she wants to be alone and pray again...what a strange girl, this foreign beauty!

*They run off, leaving Giselda alone.*

Giselda: MOM I KNOW YOU’RE NOT HERE ANYMORE BUT PLEASE I NEED YOU MY PEACE IS GONE AND I’M SUFFERING

Why did you leave me? Now I’m here, alone, in a strange land trying to figure my life out for the first time...and I’m in love with someone my faith says I should not love, which only makes me feel worse...PLEASE HELP ME

I’ve prayed that you will miraculously be returned to me, but if such prayers are useless and you cannot come back from Heaven, then let me die and join you! All I can see in my future is endless suffering...why can I not just die? Let me die and see you again!

Women: *from offstage* WHO WILL SAVE US

Giselda: WHAT’S GOING ON

Women: *still offstage* EVERYONE OUT RUN FOR YOUR LIVES

Crusaders: *also offstage* KILL THEM ALL

*Turkish soldiers, Crusaders, and women of the harem all run onstage in confusion.*

Women: WHO WILL SAVE US FROM THESE BARBARIANS IF THE PROPHET HAS ABANDONED US

Giselda: THE CRUSADERS ARE HERE?!?!

*Sofia runs onstage in a state of panic.*

Sofia: GISELDA A TRAITOR OPENED THE GATES TO THE CRUSADERS AND NOW THEY’RE MASSACRING AND PILLAGING EVERYONE AND EVERYTHING AND ALSO THEY KILLED BOTH MY HUSBAND AND MY SON

Giselda: WAIT WHAT THE FUCK

*Arvino enters with the Hermit and more Crusaders. Sofia points to him.*

Sofia: THERE’S THE MAN WHO KILLED THEM BOTH

Giselda: MY FATHER?!?!?!?! MY OWN FATHER?!?!?!?!?!?!

The Hermit: *pointing to Giselda* As promised, here she is, safe and sound.

Arvino: GISELDA LET ME EMBRACE YOU AGAIN

Giselda: *recoiling from him* ABSOLUTELY FUCKING NOT YOU ARE COVERED IN HUMAN BLOOD

Sofia: What grief I feel...

Giselda: No!...No!

IT IS NOT THE JUST CAUSE OF GOD TO DROWN THE EARTH IN HUMAN BLOOD THIS IS INSANITY AND YOU ALL JUST WANT THE WEALTH OF THE MUSLIMS AND YOU’RE USING RELIGION AS A COVER BECAUSE HEAVEN NEVER WANTED THIS

No! God does not will it. GOD DOES NOT WILL IT

Arvino and the Crusaders: WHAT AM I HEARING?!?!?!?!?!?!

The Hermit and Sofia: (Oh, poor girl!)

Giselda: GOD HAS LIFTED THE BLINDFOLD FROM MY EYES THE VANQUISHED WILL RISE AND THEY WILL HAVE THEIR REVENGE AND IT WILL BE TERRIBLE AND NONE OF YOU WILL DIE IN YOUR HOMELAND

YOU HAVE SLAUGHTERED INNOCENT HUMAN BEINGS AND SUCH SLAUGHTER HAS ALWAYS OFFENDED GOD BECAUSE HE CARES ABOUT ALL HUMANKIND

Arvino: YOU ARE COMMITTING BLASPHEMY AND SACRILEGE

Giselda: YOUR HEADS WILL BECOME THE PLAYTHINGS OF THE WIND AND WHAT YOU HAVE DONE TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS REGION THE PEOPLE OF THIS REGION WILL DO TO ALL EUROPE BECAUSE IT WAS NEVER THE WORD OF GOD FOR HUMAN BLOOD TO BE SHED LIKE THIS

NO GOD DOES NOT WILL THIS HE ONLY CAME DOWN TO EARTH TO SPEAK OF PEACE HE DOES NOT WILL THIS

The Hermit: (GISELDA SHUT UP YOU’RE BEING RASH AND THIS WILL NOT GO OVER WELL FOR YOU)

Arvino: *drawing his dagger* MAY YOUR DEATH WIPE THOSE BLASPHEMOUS OBSCENE WORDS FROM YOUR LIPS 

Giselda: STRIKE ME AND KILL ME THEN I DON’T FUCKING CARE ANYMORE IF ANYTHING IT WILL ONLY PROVE MY POINT

*Arvino attempts to stab Giselda but is stopped by the Hermit.*

The Hermit, Sofia, the Crusaders, and the Women: WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK ARE YOU DOING CAN’T YOU SEE THAT SHE’S LOST HER MIND

Arvino: FIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINE I GUESS THAT’S FAIR

Giselda: I HAVEN’T LOST MY MIND STRIKE ME DOWN I DON’T FUCKING CARE ANYMORE

*The scene descends into mass confusion.*

Notes

 ACT III: La conversione (The Conversion)

Scene 1:

The Kidron Valley, in which are scattered several hills, of which the most important is the Mount of Olives. Jerusalem can be seen in the distance; an unspecified but presumably significant amount of time (although no more than a year) after the previous act. Crusaders and pilgrims cross the scene. **

Crusaders and Pilgrims: JERUSALEM THE PROMISED CITY WE ARE ALMOST THERE WE’VE SHED SO MUCH BLOOD ALREADY IN THE NAME OF GOD AND OUR PALM GARLANDS ARE READY FOR WHEN WE ARRIVE

Women: WE LOVE SEEING THESE HOLY PLACES AND WEEPING AT THEM AND WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO DIE HERE AND THEN OUR SOULS WILL FLY TO GOD 

Men: HERE ARE ALL THE HOLY PLACES OF CHRIST’S FINAL DAYS AND DEATH AND RESURRECTION

Crusaders and Pilgrims: WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO DIE HERE AND THEN OUR SOULS WILL FLY TO GOD 

THIS LAND IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL AND SACRED PLACE AND THE LIVING GOD WILL COME HERE AND BE TERROR TO THE INFIDELS

*They go out singing.*

JERUSALEM!!!...Jerusalem...

*Giselda wanders in.*

Giselda: I’m wandering alone...where am I? I had to get out of there, I felt like I was being suffocated in my father’s tent...I need air, free air; here everything is open, free desert...there’s no sounds, not even song...

My mind cannot bring itself to think about God...I can think of nothing but love...

*During these last words, Oronte, still very much alive, enters.*

Oronte: GISELDA IT’S YOU

Giselda: *seeing him* OH MY GOD I MUST BE LOSING MY MARBLES

Oronte: NO YOU’RE NOT I’M HERE WITH YOU YOU’RE IN MY ARMS

Giselda: No...this has to be a dream...

*She starts sobbing.*

But my tears are bathing your forehead, so this must be real...

Oronte: GISELDA YOU DIDN’T FORGET ME

Giselda: OF COURSE NOT I’VE SPENT ALL MY TIME MOURNING YOU BECAUSE I THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD

Oronte: Well, when the Crusaders attacked, I was just thrown down and hurt. I wanted to see you again more than anything, so I fled and I’ve been wandering around here ever since, trying to find you...I found these garments that look a little more like what your people wear and put them on, just so I might have a better chance of seeing you one more time...that’s all I wanted: to see you one more time and then die!

Giselda: NO YOU WON’T DIE 

Oronte: I’ve lost everything: my family, my home, my throne, my friends, and any chance at life with you!

Giselda: YOU HAVEN’T LOST THAT CHANCE I WILL RUN AWAY WITH YOU

Oronte: Giselda, you really want to do that?

Giselda: YES I LOVE YOU

Oronte: Giselda, I love you too and that’s exactly why I would encourage you to not do that.

Listen: my life is cursed—I have virtually nothing to offer you. Like I said, I’ve lost everything and now I live by wandering. I shelter in caves when I can but sometimes I simply must face storms all alone in the open. If we were to somehow marry, your wedding bed would be the desert sands and you would only have the hyenas to sing to you. This poor life and my love are all I can offer you. Are you sure you would be willing to live like this?

Giselda: WHAT ARE WE WAITING FOR LET’S GO WE DON’T HAVE MUCH TIME

Oronte: Are you sure about this?

Giselda: I LOVE YOU AND THAT’S WHAT MATTERS

Oronte: I LOVE YOU TOO LET US DEFY EVERYTHING ON EARTH TOGETHER

Giselda: YOU’RE EVERYTHING TO ME 

Oronte: YOU ARE WORTH MORE THAN THE KINGDOM I LOST

Giselda: Wait! One more look. Goodbye. Goodbye world. Goodbye, Lombard tents. Goodbye to breezes like the ones from home....and everything I’ve ever known. Something better and more beautiful and more divine is waiting for me. Mother up in Heaven, forgive me...this is such a great love, and it will redeem us...

Oronte: You’re leaving your entire world behind for me...and I am for you...we will weep together and love each other like we have one heart! And the God you worship—I will worship the very same God!

Crusaders: *nearby* TO ARMS

Oronte: WHAT’S THAT NOISE

Giselda: The Lombards...their camp is nearby...they’re probably going to pursue us...I’m afraid for you...

Crusaders: TO ARMS

Giselda and Oronte: ALRIGHT LET’S GO NOTHING IN HEAVEN OR ON EARTH CAN DIVIDE US EXCEPT DEATH 

Crusaders: TO ARMS TO ARMS TO ARMS

*Giselda and Oronte run off together.*

Scene 2:

Arvino’s tent in the Lombards’ camp, near the Kidron Valley. Arvino is alone.

Arvino: WHAT THE ACTUAL HELL DID I JUST SEE?!?!?!?!

So horrible, so disgraceful—I am simply paralyzed with rage and terror...to review: my daughter ran off with a Muslim prince, a man DAMNED BY GOD—I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At least the Hermit and a bunch of my men went chasing after them, I guess.

GISELDA YOU WICKED IMPIOUS DISGRACEFUL WHORE AND DISHONOR TO MY NAME I WISH YOU HAD DIED IN YOUR CRADLE BECAUSE THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER THAN YOU GROWING UP TO BE A SACRILIGEOUS WICKED EVIL WOMAN AND I ALSO WISH THAT YOU HAD NEVER BEEN BORN AT ALL 

*Several Crusaders enter.*

What’s going on?

Crusaders: There have been multiple confirmed sightings of Pagano lurking around our tents—

Arvino: OH MY GOD YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME

Crusaders: WHY IS HE HERE OBVIOUSLY THIS HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE WRATH OF GOD STRIKING US WITH SO MANY MISFORTUNES SO WE ALL NEED TO GET TOGETHER AND PUNISH HIM BECAUSE HE CANNOT ESCAPE ALL OF US

Arvino: WELL OBVIOUSLY HEAVEN AND I HAVE BOTH MADE A MISTAKE BY NOT PUNISHING HIM BUT I AM ALREADY SO READY TO KILL THAT WICKED BASTARD AND EVEN IF HE WERE HIDDEN IN HELL ITSELF HE COULDN’T ESCAPE ME

*They all leave together.*

Scene 3:

This scene begins with a mini violin concerto because why not. It’s gorgeous.

The interior of a grotto. Through an opening in the rear can be seen the banks of the Jordan River. Giselda enters, supporting Oronte, who has been mortally wounded.

Giselda: Here...rest here...

*She lays him down on a boulder.*

What a horrible wound those cruel men gave you!

Oronte: Giselda...I’m dying...

Giselda: (I am disgusted, I am revolted, I dedicate my entire life to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and this is the thanks I get?!)

Oronte: GISELDA I’M DYING

Giselda: I KNOW FOR MERCY’S SAKE I LOVE YOU AND PLEASE BE QUIET BECAUSE SHOUTING WILL ONLY MAKE IT WORSE

You’ll recover...you have to...I’ve already bound up and closed your wound...

Oronte: Giselda, you are so kind, but it’s useless...

Giselda: ALRIGHT GOD MY FAMILY AND I HAVE ALL WORSHIPPED YOU BUT I HAVE SOME CHOICE WORDS TO SAY TO YOU

YOU TOOK MY MOM FROM ME AND LEFT ME ON EARTH IN MY SORROW AND THEN I FOUND TRUE LOVE AND NOW YOU’RE TAKING HIM FROM ME TOO BECAUSE YOU ARE CRUEL AND—

*The Hermit enters.*

The Hermit: WHO HERE IS BLASPHEMING AND CHALLENGING GOD

*He takes one look at Giselda and Oronte.*

This love is a sinful one.

Giselda: ...Why do I suddenly feel really awful?

The Hermit: That’s Catholic guilt for you.

Oronte: Who are you?

The Hermit: I am a man who can bring you new life if you turn to our faith.

Giselda: God inspires him...

Oronte: Giselda, at last, you’ve really done it...I’ve wished for this many times that it would be able to happen...and now, thanks to you, it is...sir, you are a man of God...come here...

The Hermit: You do not call upon Heaven in vain—in this moment, it shows you its glories!

*He retrieves some water from a spring in the cave connected to the Jordan.*

May the holy waters of the River Jordan grant you new life. While you are at the point of death, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

*And as such, he baptizes Oronte.*

Giselda: Now no one, not even Heaven itself, can honestly say our love is a sin...

ORONTE I’M BEGGING YOU PLEASE LIVE

Oronte: I suddenly feel new vigor, new life flowing through me...through all my veins...and it feels so wonderful...help me, Giselda! I can barely see you anymore!

Giselda: No...Oronte, please don’t die...wait for me...we’ve lived through so much together already, so it’s only fair that we should die together...not have it be like this...

The Hermit: He’s dying; take this moment seriously. Both of you, turn your heads and fix your gazes, your whole beings upon God!

Giselda: Why are you leaving me behind when I love you so much? Why won’t the angels let me go to Heaven with you right now?

The Hermit: Young lady, your love here on earth may have been rewarded with nothing but sorrow, but take heart! One day, among the angels, your love will be rewarded with bliss! Have hope!

Oronte: Giselda...come here...let me feel your tears...

You have opened Heaven up to me, Giselda, and I will wait for you...I’m dying...I will wait for you in Heaven!

*He dies.*

ACT IV: Il Santo Sepolcro (The Holy Sepulchre)

Scene 1:

A cave near Jerusalem. Giselda is sleeping alone inside when she begins to have a vision of celestial spirits. Summer 1099.

Celestial Spirits: GISELDA REJOICE THANKS TO YOU A SOUL HAS BEEN REDEEMED AND IS COMING INTO PARADISE AND YOU DESERVE SOME OF THAT HEAVENLY JOY SO COME...COME!!!

*Giselda rises, but is still dreaming.*

Giselda: The cave is shining with these ethereal spirits...yes! yes! I beg you, let me die, let me see the eternal dawn, let me join those I love in Heaven...

Oronte? Are you there among the angels? Why aren’t you saying anything? LET ME SEE HIM LET HIM TALK TO ME

*Her prayer is summarily granted and Oronte’s soul appears.*

Oronte: Thanks to you, Giselda, I’m in Heaven and God has already accepted my prayers...I must tell you something.

Giselda, your people are dying of thirst in the desert and they are losing all hope. Run to them, tell them to have hope, and tell them that the fountain of Siloam will be gushing fresh water for them! ***

Oronte and the Celestial Spirits: Come, Giselda, for your share of heavenly joy...come...

*The vision disappears and Giselda fully awakens.*

Giselda: A miracle...a cave changed into Heaven and then back again...no, it must have been a dream! But suddenly I feel so much strength in my heart...no, it was not a dream!

IT WASN’T A DREAM I CAN STILL HEAR HIS VOICE AND SEE THAT VISION OF HIM HOLDING THE PALM LEAVES OF THE BLESSED SOULS SO I’LL GO TELL THEM ABOUT THE FOUNTAIN LET’S GO EVERYONE THE WATER WILL REVIVE YOU

*She runs off.*

Scene 2:

The Lombard camp, in the desert near the tomb of Rachel outside of Bethlehem; July 15, 1099. The Crusaders and pilgrims are exhausted and dehydrated. ****

Crusaders and Pilgrims: Dear God, we have followed Your will here on this Crusade, but we’re fighting a losing battle, we’re exhausted, we’re on the brink of death by thirst...O Lord, do not let us become fodder for mockery by the enemy!

Lombardy is such a beautiful place...don’t you remember the breezes and waters and vineyards of home? GREAT NOW THAT THOUGHT JUST MAKES OUR CURRENT CONDITIONS SEEM EVEN WORSE AND ALSO WE’RE MASSIVELY HOMESICK NOW

Giselda, Arvino, and the Hermit: *in the distance* EVERYONE GO TO THE FOUNTAIN OF SILOAM

Crusaders and Pilgrims: WHAT IS IT

*Giselda, Arvino, and the Hermit run in.*

Giselda: HEAVEN HAS HEARD YOUR PRAYERS THE FOUNTAIN OF SILOAM IS GUSHING FRESH WATER

Crusaders and Pilgrims: THIS IS THE BEST NEWS EVER

Arvino: ALRIGHT EVERYONE LAST TIME Y’ALL ABANDONED THE PROJECT BECAUSE YOU WERE EXHAUSTED COWARDS BUT I KNOW THAT NOW YOU HAVE WATER YOU WON’T FUCK THIS UP AGAIN SO LET’S GO STRIKE DOWN SOME INFIDELS

Y’ALL HEAR THOSE TRUMPETS GODFREY OF BOUILLON IS GIVING US THE SIGNAL AND TODAY THE HOLY LAND WILL BE OURS

Everyone: IT’S WARTIME EVERYONE LET’S GO

Arvino and the Hermit: OUR HOLY BANNERS ARE GLEAMING WITH BLOOD AND TERROR AND WE WILL HAVE VICTORY

Everyone: LET’S FLY LIKE THE WIND LET’S GO TO WAR

*Everyone rushes off.*

*In between scenes, the Crusaders capture the city of Jerusalem. In the process, the Hermit is mortally wounded. This scene is normally just implied during the interlude, but it is sometimes staged, as in the video linked here.*

Scene 3:

The Lombard camp, in the desert outside of Jerusalem. Early morning, July 16, 1099. The Hermit enters, supported by Giselda and Arvino on either side.

Arvino: Here’s my tent; you can rest here. But why aren’t you talking?

Giselda: He’s horribly wounded! He was the first man to scale the walls.

Arvino: ...That didn’t answer my question.

The Hermit: GO AWAY actually wait who are you?

Arvino: Don’t you know me? We’ve met and fought together before. I’m the commander of the Lombard forces, Arvino.

The Hermit: *looking at his hands* ARVINO?!?!?!?! NO BE QUIET I HAVE YOUR BLOOD ON MY HANDS HELL OPEN BENEATH ME I AM COVERED IN OUR FATHER’S BLOOD

Arvino: Wait, what?

Giselda: Be calm...you’re safe here...near me. Remember me? You saved my life once.

The Hermit: That voice...it feels like my heart is opening...you’re an angel...an angel of forgiveness!

Arvino: Wait...who are you?

The Hermit: I am Pagano!

Giselda and Arvino: WAIT WHAT

Pagano: I’m going to die...I only have a little time left, I can feel it...

Arvino, my brother, my soul is about to appear before God! I HAVE DONE WHAT I CAN TO ATONE AND REDEEM MYSELF PLEASE DO NOT CONDEMN ME

Giselda: Father, he really has done what he could...God has forgiven him, so forgive him too...

Pagano: My brother, forgive me...

Arvino: *embracing him* Very well, you’ve won...

Giselda and Arvino: The rest of us will all forgive you too.

Pagano: I’m so happy...now grant me...before I die...one last look...at Jerusalem!

*The sun rises, revealing Jerusalem in the distance.*

Crusaders: O LORD WE PRAISE YOU FOR VICTORY AND SALVATION AND GLORY

Pagano: Thanks be to God that I was able to live long enough to see this moment come...and that in my last moments He has mercy on me and remembers this man the world once recoiled from in horror!

Arvino: As I forgive you, intercede with God for me so my sins may be forgiven...

Giselda: Go in peace! You will join my mother and my true love in Heaven...when you get there, all three of you, pray to God that I will be allowed to die soon and join you!

Everyone: O LORD WE PRAISE YOU FOR VICTORY AND SALVATION AND GLORY AMEN

*Pagano dies.*

Notes

THE END

[ohhalefire]

Five Songs

@kikiroo tagged me! The game is to list five songs I've been listening to lately, and this one's gonna be a bit bananas so bear with me 😂

Sleeping At Last, "I'll Keep You Safe". If this doesn't have Derek worshipping Stiles vibes then I don't know what to tell you

Patricia Racette, "All that gold!" from Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors. I, uh, am an opera singer and I get weirdly obsessed with the shows I'm doing as I'm doing them 💜 This is the aria I'm singing in this opera in December and fuck if I don't love it 😂

Kate Bush, "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)". Self-explanatory. I mean, she literally changes where the downbeat falls in the chorus from one repeat to the other??? To support the arc of the storytelling within the song??? It's SO GOOD

Angela Lansbury, "Beauty and the Beast" from Beauty and the Beast. Also self-explanatory. Literally played it about ten times on the day she died...

Queen, "I Want To Break Free". I dance around while doing the dishes 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

I tag @scribblesandsorcery, @blue-eyedbeta and @fira211 💜 

[mstanyawinslow]

CRUSHHHHHH ❤❤❤❤

Rapid fire with Patricia Racette.

[princesssarisa]

Did the dispute between Non-Realistic School of Acting and Naturalistic School of Acting (the one that eventually culmimated in "the Method") ever afected the opera world like it happened to prose theater and film?

Oh yes. On the one hand, we have old-school singers who perform grand gestures for the furthest balconies, and/or who "park and bark," focusing more on their singing than on the drama. On the other hand, there are more "modern" singers who focus much more on realistic acting.

Two performances I like to compare that sum up the different styles are two different sopranos who have been filmed as Madame Butterfly: Raina Kabaivanska in the 1982 Verona Arena production and Patricia Racette in the 2006 Metropolitan Opera production. Unfortunately, I don't think either production has been uploaded in full onto YouTube, but they're both on DVD. Both ladies are vivid actresses, but so different! Comparing their performances is like watching Sarah Bernhardt and Meryl Streep in the same role!

[monotonous-minutia]

Love SFO celebrating LGBTQ+ representation <3

[mezzowatch]

pat racette just went ‘hellooOOooOOo susan’ in this super low sexy voice and susan got all giggly and flustered and then patricia looked into the camera like THIS

hello 911 i need an ambulance