Carter Opera

: writes, so I'm taking his report with more than a few grains of salt : (about a shaker-full, actually).

I'm guessing that you're referring to Elliott Carter's 'What Next?'. I saw it in Chicago in February 1999. I wouldn't claim that I was enthralled, or that I went home humming any tunes, but it was an OK experience. It felt more like six characters in search of an opera, given that there isn't really a plot as such. Barenboim took time at the beginning to introduce the characters, which seemed to help and give some context to what otherwise would seem quite confusing (i.e. just where did these characters come from?). Given that Barenboim was the spark behind getting EC to write it, he gave it his all with the orchestra and singers.

This probably doesn't help you much, now that I look at it (oh well). It'd be interesting to hear other's opinions on it.

George Yeh Washington University School of Medicine St. Louis, MO

Actually, that's a better description of it than I got from the San Francisco Chronicle (their reviewer is hopelessly biased, as I mentioned). At least your comments seem more objective... besides, you have to give the man some credit for writing his first opera at the age of 90!

T.C.

A second is on the way. =o)

Joseph Henry