Opera Obscura

September has been all about Hugo Weisgall. Baritone Matthew Hoch and I performed his musically challenging one-act opera Will You Marry Me? in recital at the University of Nevada, and next week we repeat the work at Auburn University.

While the vocal lines are taxing and not always tuneful, they portray the unique characters well, highlighting their humorous and sometimes awkward behavior as they negotiate their arranged marriage. Thank you to our patient pianist, Kosta Popovic. This opera is not Menotti's The Telephone!