Wednesday At The Opera

A few years back on my way home from work, I turned on  CBC radio and heard a duet for the first time.


It caught my attention immediately because it was a gentle, moving piece between two male singers. I always had the impression that opera was always loud and aggressive.....that's how little I know about this genre of music.


The two men I heard that afternoon  were Jussi Bjoerling and Robert Merrill. They were singing The Pearl Fishers. After their performance I felt better and completely forgot about the difficult day at school. Great therapy!


So on Saturday evening I was watching a program on PBS and was introduced to an opera singer by the name of Bryn Terfel. His voice was clear, and strong. So I looked him up on You Tube. And lo and behold he and Andrea Bocelli have performed this piece.


The baritone, Bryn Terfel, and the tenor, Andrea Bocelli, in this video clip give a rousing performance which conveys the strong friendship they have.


The gist of this duet is that these two Ceylonese pearl fishers are reunited after a long separation caused by their love of a woman named Leila. They recall her beauty and charm but realize she threatens their friendship, which they vow to uphold. (paraphrased from the 'liner notes').


So after all that, enjoy.