A pleasant afternoon at the theatre: Queen at the opera
Unfortunately, it has been a long time since I have carved out a space for myself, to enjoy "our" artistic world from the spectator's side…
Yes, I went to concerts - even by great international artists - or to some venues, but this time I wanted to try the experience of a show at the theatre.
Now I haven't done this in a while. Unfortunately.
The occasion was the passage to Turin of the show “ Queen at the Opera”, created by Duncan Eventi.
Now, as a big Queen fan, we always start out a little sceptical when there are concerts or shows dedicated to one of the most particular, multifaceted and discussed bands in the history of modern music. Often some love them or those who hate them, with no middle ground.
Freddie Mercury 's great personality perhaps contributed to these extreme positions, or the great variety of genres touched during their history does not allow everyone to grasp the artistic growth from one album to another.
They range from the Progressive of the early years, to Rock , to Pop , to Glam rock , but then there are songs (for the more experienced) that touch on Blues , perhaps even Smooth jazz , and Country . And for each of the genres indicated I could indicate a title, having the entire discography (partly on MC and partly on CD ...)
But going back to the show, it was really a surprise . A stage with over 16 orchestral musicians , a band made up of drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, 5 voices (two male and three female, one of which was a soprano), a conductor and an adequate number of technicians... I shouldn't have forgotten anyone , if not the organization that has done an impressive job .
The nice thing is that no one tried to copy typical movements or vocal characteristics but rather it was a tribute, in the broadest sense of the term, in which good musicians, under the guidance of a production that seems to have clear ideas, reproduce some of the greatest successes and some " goodies " from the journey of the famous band and its great frontman.
All are surrounded by well-managed and impactful choreography: lights, timing, and professionalism in involving the public.
Result: over two hours of music focused on the artistic path of Queen , but also that of Freddie Mercury as a soloist. The soprano had accompanied the main singers in some of the songs also taken from Freddie 's album with Monserrat Caballé .
A different afternoon, an afternoon of music . But not only. An afternoon wrapped in what reminded me that, despite everything, art goes on. Beauty exists. You have to want it. We need to make it happen. You have to believe it. But it can be done.