Posted: Sat Jul 24, 2021 3:38 am
Since this is a new page - I have copied my previous post and will keep editing this post until the review is done...
Ca Ira
Released: September 2005
StevieG rating: 6.8/10
Ca Ira started as a musical project that Waters wrote for his friends, Etienne Road-Gil and Nadine Dalahaye. They wrote the libretto in French and Roger wrote the music. Later, from around 1989, Roger rewrote it in English.
This is an opera in 3 acts. As far as I can tell, it loosely follows the events of the French revolution. This is not really my genre, but there are some surprises in the course of this opera - some bits of music that you suddenly realise are taken from some of Roger's previous work.
Overall I find the opera a bit wordy, not giving enough space to the music. It starts well, and then I find it a little hard to stay with. However, there are some great moments.
EDIT: This has really grown on me as I listen to it more.
Act 1
Act 1 has 5 scenes.
The Gathering Storm
StevieG rating: 3/10
It's an intro. Nothing much happens.
Overture
StevieG rating: 6/10
Has a great intro, with the strings. Then changes pace into the trumpet solo. There are some sound effect which I imagine relate to the visual opera. Overall it keeps my interest. And we end with birds!
Act 1, Scene 1: A Garden in Vienna 1765
StevieG rating: 6/10
The tenor comes in to introduce this scene.
Madame Antoine, Madame Antoine
StevieG rating: 6/10
Marie Antoinette? It's an interesting array of voices. There's the soprano who sounds impressive, and then there are the younger voices which sound a lot different.
Act 1, Scene 2: Kings Sticks and Birds
StevieG rating: 6/10
Throughout, the singing is first class, the music is impressive. It just doesn't always grab me. This is one such song. It finishes strongly, swells nicely.
Honest Bird, Simple Bird
StevieG rating: 7/10
I love the soprano's voice. There are some "Roger" lyrics in here, which don't really fit what I'd expect in an Opera. It transitions really nicely in the next track.
I want to be King
StevieG rating: 7/10
Has quite a bit going on. The music swells and subsides.
Let Us Break All the Shields
StevieG rating: 8/10
Great interplay between the Tenor and Baritone. The music is wonderful in this track. This ends "Scene 2".
Act 1, Scene 3: The Grievances of the People
StevieG rating: 7/10
Starts with thunder, indicating that all is not well! I like the strings at the start. What happens when the people are starving? Petitions, clubs, rallies and eventually riot. It has a looming, ominous feel to it. The Bishops hide the grain but when people are desperate... Musically once again, it's big!
Act 1, Scene 4: France in Disarray
StevieG rating: 6/10
Things aren't going well! Driven by hunger, driven by pain, the people come to the barricade. 300 slaughtered. Musically, it gathers again in the 2nd part of the song. It feels like it's a gathering storm.
To Laugh is to Know How to Live
StevieG rating: 6/10
A quiet interlude of a song. Has an ending sung by children which always adds an ominousness to any Waters song!
Slavers, Landlords, Bigots at your Door
StevieG rating: 7/10
This is the state of France! I really like the Soprano in this - actually, in most of the Opera. The kids come in and remind me of Another Brick in the Wall. Once again, when the strings are given some time, the music swells. The ending is befitting an Opera! Grand!
Act 1, Scene 5: The Fall of the Bastille
StevieG rating: 6/10
Seems to be a "set up" song for the next one.
To Freeze in the Dead of Night
StevieG rating: 7/10
Nice trumpet intro. Mournful. Has a pleasant melody too. I quite like this one. It reminds me a bit of Roger's other works - I'm not sure why.
So to the Streets in the Pouring Rain
StevieG rating: 8/10
It builds into a great chorus! And then quietens down and has some reflective and touching moments. It's a fitting way to end Act 1.
Strength and weakness, love and pride
Is all I have to leave my child
If my child survives
He'll judge men by their deeds and not their smiles
He'll keep his taste of good red wine
His pride, his friends, his lust for life
These are the things that will avail him
If my child survives...
Act 2
Act 2 has 4 scenes.
Act 2, Scene 1: Dances and Marches
StevieG rating: 6/10
Thunder! Bells! Rain! Marching men. There is a strong musical theme running through the Opera, with repeated melodies. This one contains some of these. There is now a Queen - Marie Antoinette.
Now hear ye!
StevieG rating: 8/10
The Queen invites everyone to a ball. The music is in 3/4 Waltz style. It gives the impression of decadence and wining and dining and making eyes at them all.
Flushed With Wine
StevieG rating: 9/10
A lot happens in this song. From the story, things ain't looking good! Musically, there are voices coming from everywhere, but it flows well. This is a BIG song!
Act 2, Scene 2: The Letter
StevieG rating: 6/10
We have some sound effects: the pouring rain; the ticking clock; and others. With the King imprisoned, he writes to his cousin in Spain.
My Dear Cousin Bourbon of Spain
StevieG rating: 9/10
The King writes a letter to his cousin, seeking help. This is the first big surprise of this Opera, as it uses the tune of Every Strangers Eyes from Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking. For sentimental reasons, I love it! It fits the Opera so well.
The Ship of State is all at Sea
StevieG rating: 6/10
Continues the mood of the previous song, with less impact.
Act 2, Scene 3: Silver, Sugar and Indigo
StevieG rating: 6/10
It's short, but has some value.
To the Windward Isles
StevieG rating: 10/10
This is totally different to the rest of the Opera but it works. The choir is awesome and it actually provides a musical relief (to me). And then the tenor and soprano blend it back to the musical theme of the Opera. This is a rousing song.
Act 2, Scene 4: The Papal Edict
StevieG rating: 6/10
Pretty much an intro to the final song in Act 2.
In Paris There's a Rumble Under the Ground
StevieG rating: 7/10
The finale to Act 2 has some interesting musical styles in it. The papal part has a chant (Gregorian Chant?) followed by a "congregational" response. It builds nicely after the sin is declared. The people are sharing the apples, the Pope says Bless You but it's still a sin. I laughed at that lyric! It continues to build and subside, but builds towards a BIG finale.
Act 3
Act 3 has 5 scenes.
Act 3, Scene 1: The Fugitive King
StevieG rating: 6/10
Seagulls! The King and Queen are stuffed! The Pope has done his thing and that stuffs them.
But the Marquis of Boulli Has a Trump Card Up His Sleeve
StevieG rating: 7/10
The King and Queen try to flee with the help of the "Marquis of Boulli". Unfortunately they were recognised. Things are bad The music builds again and finishes with the removal of one of the king's ally's heads.
To Take Your Hat Off
StevieG rating: 6/10
Enter the kids from Another Brick in the Wall.
To take your hat off
Is the gesture of a toff
But even his lordship needs a head
To take his hat off of
Has a military feel to the song, and ends with a "Present... take aim... fire!"
The Echoes Never Fade from the Fusillade
StevieG rating: 6/10
There is a massacre. The music is appropriate to the occasion.
Act 3, Scene 2: The Commune De Paris
StevieG rating: 6/10
Has an ominous build-up with some fluttering birds. The strings build and then it calms down again, only to change to a marching rhythm again.
Viva La Commune De Paris
StevieG rating: 7/10
Starts with a familiar trumpet refrain. The uprising is in full force and Louis is going down... Takes a while to build up, but it builds to a satisfying end.
The National Assembly is Confused
StevieG rating: 7/10
Has a pleasant start musically. It soon moves back into the recurring theme musically. The monarchy is over, The monarchy, c'est fini. Like so many of these songs, I start listening and think "it's ok" but then by the end of the song I think "actually that was good". Impressive cannon fire sound effects. Roger would do that sort of thing in his sleep.
Act 3, Scene 3: The Execution of Louis Capet
StevieG rating: 6/10
The bells are ringing. This feels like the intro to the next song...
Adieu Louis for You It's Over
StevieG rating: 10/10
Louis is on the way out. There's that Pros and Cons music again! Damn!
Poor King Louis
It's over for you
That has got to be the best part of the Opera. The soaring voice and the tune, and the guillotine. Drama!
Act 3, Scene 4: Marie Antoinette - The Last Night on Earth
StevieG rating: 6/10
Marie Antoinette is next. Another set up for the next song.
Adieu My Good and Tender Sister
StevieG rating: 9/10
Has an inevitable and mournful beginning. I love this melody. It has a finality to it, and sounds so sad. The soprano gets me every time!
Act 3, Scene 5: Liberty
StevieG rating: 6/10
Questions of the guillotine as an appropriate instrument of death are explored.
And in the Bushes Where They Survive
StevieG rating: 8/10
And so, we are at the Grand Finale! The whole cast of characters, at least singers, is involved in this final song. Most of the musical elements of the Opera are brought into this song. There's a fair old message in the lyrics, but one would expect no less from Roger! BIG ending to an epic Opera.
I found myself enjoying this more and more, the more I listened to it.
Edit: fixed a few typos.
Ca Ira
Released: September 2005
StevieG rating: 6.8/10
Ca Ira started as a musical project that Waters wrote for his friends, Etienne Road-Gil and Nadine Dalahaye. They wrote the libretto in French and Roger wrote the music. Later, from around 1989, Roger rewrote it in English.
This is an opera in 3 acts. As far as I can tell, it loosely follows the events of the French revolution. This is not really my genre, but there are some surprises in the course of this opera - some bits of music that you suddenly realise are taken from some of Roger's previous work.
Overall I find the opera a bit wordy, not giving enough space to the music. It starts well, and then I find it a little hard to stay with. However, there are some great moments.
EDIT: This has really grown on me as I listen to it more.
Act 1
Act 1 has 5 scenes.
The Gathering Storm
StevieG rating: 3/10
It's an intro. Nothing much happens.
Overture
StevieG rating: 6/10
Has a great intro, with the strings. Then changes pace into the trumpet solo. There are some sound effect which I imagine relate to the visual opera. Overall it keeps my interest. And we end with birds!
Act 1, Scene 1: A Garden in Vienna 1765
StevieG rating: 6/10
The tenor comes in to introduce this scene.
Madame Antoine, Madame Antoine
StevieG rating: 6/10
Marie Antoinette? It's an interesting array of voices. There's the soprano who sounds impressive, and then there are the younger voices which sound a lot different.
Act 1, Scene 2: Kings Sticks and Birds
StevieG rating: 6/10
Throughout, the singing is first class, the music is impressive. It just doesn't always grab me. This is one such song. It finishes strongly, swells nicely.
Honest Bird, Simple Bird
StevieG rating: 7/10
I love the soprano's voice. There are some "Roger" lyrics in here, which don't really fit what I'd expect in an Opera. It transitions really nicely in the next track.
I want to be King
StevieG rating: 7/10
Has quite a bit going on. The music swells and subsides.
Let Us Break All the Shields
StevieG rating: 8/10
Great interplay between the Tenor and Baritone. The music is wonderful in this track. This ends "Scene 2".
Act 1, Scene 3: The Grievances of the People
StevieG rating: 7/10
Starts with thunder, indicating that all is not well! I like the strings at the start. What happens when the people are starving? Petitions, clubs, rallies and eventually riot. It has a looming, ominous feel to it. The Bishops hide the grain but when people are desperate... Musically once again, it's big!
Act 1, Scene 4: France in Disarray
StevieG rating: 6/10
Things aren't going well! Driven by hunger, driven by pain, the people come to the barricade. 300 slaughtered. Musically, it gathers again in the 2nd part of the song. It feels like it's a gathering storm.
To Laugh is to Know How to Live
StevieG rating: 6/10
A quiet interlude of a song. Has an ending sung by children which always adds an ominousness to any Waters song!
Slavers, Landlords, Bigots at your Door
StevieG rating: 7/10
This is the state of France! I really like the Soprano in this - actually, in most of the Opera. The kids come in and remind me of Another Brick in the Wall. Once again, when the strings are given some time, the music swells. The ending is befitting an Opera! Grand!
Act 1, Scene 5: The Fall of the Bastille
StevieG rating: 6/10
Seems to be a "set up" song for the next one.
To Freeze in the Dead of Night
StevieG rating: 7/10
Nice trumpet intro. Mournful. Has a pleasant melody too. I quite like this one. It reminds me a bit of Roger's other works - I'm not sure why.
So to the Streets in the Pouring Rain
StevieG rating: 8/10
It builds into a great chorus! And then quietens down and has some reflective and touching moments. It's a fitting way to end Act 1.
Strength and weakness, love and pride
Is all I have to leave my child
If my child survives
He'll judge men by their deeds and not their smiles
He'll keep his taste of good red wine
His pride, his friends, his lust for life
These are the things that will avail him
If my child survives...
Act 2
Act 2 has 4 scenes.
Act 2, Scene 1: Dances and Marches
StevieG rating: 6/10
Thunder! Bells! Rain! Marching men. There is a strong musical theme running through the Opera, with repeated melodies. This one contains some of these. There is now a Queen - Marie Antoinette.
Now hear ye!
StevieG rating: 8/10
The Queen invites everyone to a ball. The music is in 3/4 Waltz style. It gives the impression of decadence and wining and dining and making eyes at them all.
Flushed With Wine
StevieG rating: 9/10
A lot happens in this song. From the story, things ain't looking good! Musically, there are voices coming from everywhere, but it flows well. This is a BIG song!
Act 2, Scene 2: The Letter
StevieG rating: 6/10
We have some sound effects: the pouring rain; the ticking clock; and others. With the King imprisoned, he writes to his cousin in Spain.
My Dear Cousin Bourbon of Spain
StevieG rating: 9/10
The King writes a letter to his cousin, seeking help. This is the first big surprise of this Opera, as it uses the tune of Every Strangers Eyes from Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking. For sentimental reasons, I love it! It fits the Opera so well.
The Ship of State is all at Sea
StevieG rating: 6/10
Continues the mood of the previous song, with less impact.
Act 2, Scene 3: Silver, Sugar and Indigo
StevieG rating: 6/10
It's short, but has some value.
To the Windward Isles
StevieG rating: 10/10
This is totally different to the rest of the Opera but it works. The choir is awesome and it actually provides a musical relief (to me). And then the tenor and soprano blend it back to the musical theme of the Opera. This is a rousing song.
Act 2, Scene 4: The Papal Edict
StevieG rating: 6/10
Pretty much an intro to the final song in Act 2.
In Paris There's a Rumble Under the Ground
StevieG rating: 7/10
The finale to Act 2 has some interesting musical styles in it. The papal part has a chant (Gregorian Chant?) followed by a "congregational" response. It builds nicely after the sin is declared. The people are sharing the apples, the Pope says Bless You but it's still a sin. I laughed at that lyric! It continues to build and subside, but builds towards a BIG finale.
Act 3
Act 3 has 5 scenes.
Act 3, Scene 1: The Fugitive King
StevieG rating: 6/10
Seagulls! The King and Queen are stuffed! The Pope has done his thing and that stuffs them.
But the Marquis of Boulli Has a Trump Card Up His Sleeve
StevieG rating: 7/10
The King and Queen try to flee with the help of the "Marquis of Boulli". Unfortunately they were recognised. Things are bad The music builds again and finishes with the removal of one of the king's ally's heads.
To Take Your Hat Off
StevieG rating: 6/10
Enter the kids from Another Brick in the Wall.
To take your hat off
Is the gesture of a toff
But even his lordship needs a head
To take his hat off of
Has a military feel to the song, and ends with a "Present... take aim... fire!"
The Echoes Never Fade from the Fusillade
StevieG rating: 6/10
There is a massacre. The music is appropriate to the occasion.
Act 3, Scene 2: The Commune De Paris
StevieG rating: 6/10
Has an ominous build-up with some fluttering birds. The strings build and then it calms down again, only to change to a marching rhythm again.
Viva La Commune De Paris
StevieG rating: 7/10
Starts with a familiar trumpet refrain. The uprising is in full force and Louis is going down... Takes a while to build up, but it builds to a satisfying end.
The National Assembly is Confused
StevieG rating: 7/10
Has a pleasant start musically. It soon moves back into the recurring theme musically. The monarchy is over, The monarchy, c'est fini. Like so many of these songs, I start listening and think "it's ok" but then by the end of the song I think "actually that was good". Impressive cannon fire sound effects. Roger would do that sort of thing in his sleep.
Act 3, Scene 3: The Execution of Louis Capet
StevieG rating: 6/10
The bells are ringing. This feels like the intro to the next song...
Adieu Louis for You It's Over
StevieG rating: 10/10
Louis is on the way out. There's that Pros and Cons music again! Damn!
Poor King Louis
It's over for you
That has got to be the best part of the Opera. The soaring voice and the tune, and the guillotine. Drama!
Act 3, Scene 4: Marie Antoinette - The Last Night on Earth
StevieG rating: 6/10
Marie Antoinette is next. Another set up for the next song.
Adieu My Good and Tender Sister
StevieG rating: 9/10
Has an inevitable and mournful beginning. I love this melody. It has a finality to it, and sounds so sad. The soprano gets me every time!
Act 3, Scene 5: Liberty
StevieG rating: 6/10
Questions of the guillotine as an appropriate instrument of death are explored.
And in the Bushes Where They Survive
StevieG rating: 8/10
And so, we are at the Grand Finale! The whole cast of characters, at least singers, is involved in this final song. Most of the musical elements of the Opera are brought into this song. There's a fair old message in the lyrics, but one would expect no less from Roger! BIG ending to an epic Opera.
I found myself enjoying this more and more, the more I listened to it.
Edit: fixed a few typos.