Garsington

A belated post for yesterday when we went to a country house opera at Garsington.  This is the view across the lake where we sat drinking champagne in the deepest shade of the trees (27C) - how the other half lives! - it's nice to pretend to be part of the "other half" occasionally :-)

The opera is not my favourite, Richard Strauss' Der Rosencavalier.  But I have to say it was the best production I have ever seen.  It's a sort of comedy of manners in the Austrian aristocracy in the early years of the 20th century, but they managed to turn it into a moving exploration of love, life and ageing.  The "star" who should have sung the main part was indisposed, so the young understudy got her first ever chance to sing a major role.  Of course she was absolutely stunning - what an opportunity for her!

It's only 2 years since we last heard opera live, but it was a stunning reminder that YouTube/Zoom, etc.  are no substitute for the emotional experience of great art live.