Dorothea’s House once again demonstrated on Sunday, May 3, why it’s such a bright star in Princeton’s cultural firmament. In its unique role of furthering the understanding of Italy’s history and culture, a packed house heard Joseph Colaneri, music director of the annual Glimmerglass Festival near Cooperstown, NY, discuss Giuseppe Verdi’s operatic adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy “Macbeth,” slated for this summer.
Often using Italian phrases punctuated by Italian verve, Colaneri said that Verdi’s operas represented the very soul of Italy. While Macbeth depicted Scottish exiles, Italians believe Verdi was really characterizing Italy’s history. He noted that although Verdi was not religious, he was spiritual and “tinta” (color) was very important to him. In Macbeth, Verdi insisted on very dark colors (mood).
Two talented soloists, Hunter Enoch and Mitra Mastropierto, understudies at Glimmerglass, sang arias and a duet from Macbeth, bringing the audience to its feet in enthusiastic appreciation.
Linda Sipprelle
375 Nassau Street, Princeton
