Not everyone has the means to travel to see an opera performance in Milan. That's why The Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline is offering a virtual opera experience, transporting several of the most world-renowned operas straight from Europe to the big screen.
Giuseppe Verdi's "AIDA," performed in the Teatro della Scala in Milan, was the first film to kick off the Europe's Grand Operas series. Set in ancient Egypt, "AIDA" tells the tale of star-crossed lovers Radames (played by Roberto Alagna), an Egyptian military commander, and Aida (Violeta Urmana), a captured Ethiopian princess. A love triangle is introduced when Amneris (Ildiko Komlosi), daughter of the pharaoh and admirer of Radames, enters the mix. A sweeping drama of passion and war, the original performance was concluded by a 13-minute standing ovation.
Each opera film is presented in high definition with surround sound and subtitles, making for an incredibly crisp and vivid rendition. Projectionist Nick Lazzaro explained that the all-new HD projectors were installed within the past few weeks, and he seemed incredibly pleased with the result. "It's interesting because this first film [Aida] is actually not one of the best quality ones. It was shot from way back in the theater, and they had to zoom in for most of the shots. The resolution wasn't as tight as some of the other opera films, but it still looks phenomenal," he said.
Phenomenal is an understatement. The film captured not only the fullness of the entire stage during regular shots but also the minutiae which cannot always be viewed from a balcony seat. Staff Manager Mark Anastasio lent his thoughts on the film experience as opposed to the actual opera when he discussed the role of the director. "You've got someone steering the action, taking you to points on the stage and having you focus on specific things versus you picking them out on your own," he said.
The camera in this case acts as a pair of binoculars, allowing audience members to see the details as well as the larger stage structure. At times the camera zooms into slightly blurred images of billowing iridescent cloth or hazy smoke, creating a veil over the screen and allowing viewers to experience the textures of the costumes and the sensations of the performance.
In addition to breaking up the action of the opera and keeping the film visually engaging, these close shots allow for a heightened emotional perception. During the scene in which Amneris tricks Aida into confessing her secret love for Radames, an intimate framing of Aida's hand grasping for Amneris' captures the desperation of her plea for pity. The film medium also allows for a clearer view of facial expressions so that audiences see the drama as well as hear it in the actors' voices. Through this lens, audiences can delight in the masterful stage décor, costumes and props. When Amneris twirls her soft, shimmering garments, the camera twirls with her. When the pharaoh parades in to the sound of trumpets, we get a privileged look at the design of his carved staff.
The film still shows the sweeping scenes in all their fullness when necessary. When songs reach their crescendos, viewers get a full view of the stage. In between songs, the stage lights are shown as if one were actually glancing away while waiting for the curtain to rise again. The conductor, lit from below, is a drama himself with his jerky movements building to the next scene.
The opera film crowd was unfortunately not very diverse, with a lot of salt and pepper hair sprinkling the audience. Yet the large auditorium was almost completely full, and the applause in the opera audience merged seamlessly with the clapping from the movie audience after each act. "We're hoping to draw a more diverse crowd, and these films are still bringing in mostly seniors," said Anastasio. "We wanted to get some younger moviegoers, basically just broaden their horizons a little."
Those looking to experience something a little different should check out the next installment of Europe's Grand Operas on Sunday, Oct. 19 at 11 a. m. with Verdi's "La Traviata" or catch an encore performance of "Aida" this Thursday at 7 p. m. Peruse www.Coolidge.org for upcoming shows, including "Othello" and "Romeo Et Juliette."
