How an opera gets made

TL;DR

Explore the making of Philip Glass's opera Akhnaten at the Met.

Transcript

This is Anthony Roth Costanzo, countertenor extraordinaire, rehearsing one of the most challenging pieces in opera today. For six straight minutes, he and his fellow castmates have to sing the word “ah.” That seems easy enough, right? Until you watch it. [Sings “ah”] It’s an extraordinary feat that happens roughly one hour into Akhnaten, an opera b... Read More

Key Insights

• Anthony Roth Costanzo, a countertenor, plays Akhnaten, an Egyptian pharaoh, in a challenging opera by Philip Glass. The role requires exceptional vocal skills, including singing 'ah' for six minutes straight.
• The production involves a large team, including over 60 performers and 12 professional jugglers, highlighting the complexity and scale of staging an opera at the Metropolitan Opera House.
• Philip Glass, known for his minimalist style, uses repetition and syncopation to create a meditative musical experience, challenging performers to maintain precise timing.
• The sitzprobe is a critical rehearsal where singers and orchestra come together for the first time, emphasizing the importance of coordination and timing in the performance.
• The opera features unique visual elements, such as costumes with baby heads and a giant sun, reflecting ancient Egyptian rituals and mythology.
• Vocal coach Joan has been guiding Anthony since he was 17, focusing on breath control and vocal technique to achieve the perfect tone without consonants.
• The production incorporates slow-motion movements and complex juggling, requiring meticulous planning and synchronization with the music.
• The opera, sung in ancient Egyptian and other languages, offers a non-traditional narrative experience, challenging audience expectations with its minimalist approach.

Questions & Answers

Q: What role does Anthony Roth Costanzo play in the opera Akhnaten?

Anthony Roth Costanzo plays the lead role of Akhnaten, an Egyptian pharaoh, in the opera by Philip Glass. This role is particularly challenging as it requires him to sing 'ah' continuously for six minutes, showcasing his extraordinary vocal abilities. His performance is central to the opera, which is known for its minimalist musical style.

Q: How is Philip Glass's musical style described in the opera?

Philip Glass's musical style in Akhnaten is described as minimalist. He uses repetition with changing rhythms and syncopation to create a meditative state. The music is characterized by arpeggios and lyrical repetition, requiring performers to maintain precise timing and coordination, which is crucial for the overall impact of the opera.

Q: What is the significance of the sitzprobe in the opera's preparation?

The sitzprobe is a critical rehearsal stage where the orchestra and singers come together for the first time after weeks of individual practice. This rehearsal is essential for ensuring that all elements of the performance are synchronized. It allows performers to adjust to the full sound of the orchestra and refine their timing, making it a sacred moment in the preparation process.

Q: What unique visual elements are used in the opera Akhnaten?

The opera Akhnaten features unique visual elements that draw from ancient Egyptian rituals and mythology. These include costumes adorned with baby heads and a giant sun, symbolizing various aspects of Egyptian culture. The production also involves elaborate wigs and headdresses, such as the khepresh, which add to the authenticity and visual impact of the performance.

Q: How does the opera incorporate juggling into the performance?

Juggling is an integral part of the opera Akhnaten, with 12 professional jugglers included in the cast. The performers move in extreme slow motion while the juggling balls move quickly, creating a striking visual contrast. The juggling is meticulously synchronized with the music, requiring careful planning and rehearsal to ensure it complements the overall performance.

Q: What challenges does Anthony face in his vocal performance?

Anthony faces several challenges in his vocal performance, primarily due to the minimalist style of Philip Glass's music, which requires precise timing and control. His vocal coach, Joan, has trained him to focus on breath control and achieving the perfect tone without consonants. The continuous singing of 'ah' for extended periods is particularly demanding and showcases his exceptional vocal skills.

Q: How does the opera's narrative differ from traditional operas?

The narrative of Akhnaten differs from traditional operas as it is sung in ancient Egyptian and other languages, with no real story in the conventional sense. The minimalist approach focuses more on the musical and visual experience rather than a linear storyline. This challenges audience expectations but offers a unique and captivating interpretation of the life of the Egyptian pharaoh Akhnaten.

Q: What role do costumes and makeup play in the opera?

Costumes and makeup play a crucial role in enhancing the visual storytelling of the opera Akhnaten. Each costume is intricately designed to reflect ancient Egyptian attire, with elements like the khepresh headdress symbolizing royalty. Makeup is applied to all performers, including Anthony, who enters the stage in slow motion and completely naked, requiring full-body makeup to complete his transformation into the character of Akhnaten.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Akhnaten, an opera by Philip Glass, is a modern interpretation of the story of an Egyptian pharaoh, performed at the Metropolitan Opera. The production is a collaborative effort involving hundreds of people, including vocalists, musicians, and jugglers, all working together to bring this unique performance to life.

• Anthony Roth Costanzo stars as Akhnaten, requiring exceptional vocal abilities to navigate the challenging score. The opera is known for its minimalist style, with repetitive musical patterns that create a meditative atmosphere, demanding precise timing and coordination from all performers.

• The opera's visual elements draw from ancient Egyptian rituals, with elaborate costumes and set designs enhancing the storytelling. Despite its unconventional narrative and musical style, Akhnaten captivates audiences with its innovative approach, offering a glimpse into the complexities of staging a modern opera.