Day 50: Pau, France

Today was my second full cast rehearsal for the opera.  Overall, it was much better today, which is to expected when you are collaborating with such a large group.  I am still absolutely amazed by the Soprano’s aria at the start of the second act.  And the recording I have doesn’t come close to comparing to our soloist.  I think it’d work on trumpet, with organ.   I am going to work on that.  Today, was the Rugby World Cup final, between France(les Bleus) and New Zealand(the All Blacks).  Rugby is very popular in the south of France, even though people are very secretive about this fact.  It was a big deal, and all rehearsal, people were watching the match on iphones sitting on music stands.  It was a very exciting match, but New Zealand ended up winning 8-7.  Everybody seemed pretty pleased with the French play.  I think there was a pervading fear that France might have lost 87-0, so this was much better than the alternative. 

One of the main viewing screens in the Salle de Ravel.  See it? The blue thing... On the stand to the right.

 

After rehearsal, I walked home and got a bunch of blisters on my feet.  The insoles of my shoes came un-attached and bunched up and it was just awful.  I guess that is what happens when you pay 8.40€ for a pair of shoes.  

I didn’t really do a ton the rest of the evening.  I practiced a while, and I packed and got ready for my trip, and I watch The Empire Strikes Back, in French.  Less amusing than the first, but still pretty funny.  I think the funniest part is that the French don’t seem to yell.  So even in parts where a person is angry and yelling, you don’t really hear any yelling. 

Tomorrow, I am going to a place that isn’t Pau. Yay.