[Publius]

I was about to try a "This is Opera" series of posts, but I quickly discovered that I needed to do a lot more research before I tackled that subject.

About 40 years ago, a neighbor of mine in the L.A. suburbs characterized opera as, "A guy in a tux waves a stick at a fat lady, and she screams." There is actually quite a bit more to opera than that.

Today I attended the funeral of a previous president of my organization at an Episcopal church in a Phoenix suburb. It was a wonderful service, with the music accompanied by organ, Baroque trumpet and schola (a small choir). Among the items featured was a condensed version of "The Trumpet Shall Sound" from Handel's "Messiah," with a fine basso soloist, and the recessional was Sir Arthur Sullivan's classic "Onward Christian Soldiers." This was the same Sullivan who teamed with Gilbert for those cute operas. Sullivan was also one of the great Schubert scholars of the 19th Century. Our former president got a fine sendoff.

[luvie]

Love that description of opera! Very concise.

So sorry to hear of the passing of your associate. I’ll bet the music was beautiful. And of course, you WOULD notice that.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, Publius....a fine sendoff, indeed.

I really like the music played for his service.

[ConorMacNessa]

Good evening, Maestro!

I believe Pavarotti once described his own singing as "controlled shouting."

He certainly had great control as his high register decrescendos were indeed exquisite.

"I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces guarding our country and our way of life.
I am prepared to give my life in their defense."