jmc's classics
Today is the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. it is an important day in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. In many countries where they are the predominant religions, this is a national holiday. The Opera I Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavello (1857-1919) is set on this day.
Today is the anniversary of the Woodstock Music Festival that took place in 1969 in Woodstock New York which is in upstate New York. It is still remembered today. Pagliacci, Which translated in to English means "the players" is about clowns and love gone wrong. The older clown has a young wife who is having an affair with a local man. The clowns are part of a local troupe of performers. There is a deformed clown in the troupe who is attracted to the older clown's wife. The older clown's wife is having an affair with a local man. The older clown kills both of them. The "Sobbing Song" Vesti la Guiba is one of the famous arias. It was used in a commercial for Best Buy in the 1990's. This opera is often paired with Pietro Mascagni's opera Calvaria Rusticana (Rustic Chivalry) both have similar themes. That of love gone wrong. They are both of one act and both are among the "one hit wonders" of opera and classical music. I like clowns. Unfortunately, in recent years clowns have gotten a bad rap. That is not fair. I enjoy being entertained by clowns. Woodstock was a monumental event of the late 1960's. It took place on a farm near Woodstock NY. There are a lot of towns called "Woodstock" in America. The Woodstock festival lasted from August 15-18 1969. Much has been written about it. There was some damage done to this farm. and many people got sick or passed out. there were a lot of drugs being used. There is a lot of Catholic and Orthodox hymns to the Virgin Mary. In these two faith traditions the Virgin Mary is important. In Italy, Greece, Russia and parts of Latin America this is am important day. Many Italian composers wrote music for the Catholic Mass and hymns to the Virgin Mary.
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