Friday, March 26, 2010

Opera crossover is taking me to dark and mysterious places

What do heavy metal band Manowar and Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin have in common?


If you said Nessun Dorma, you're impressive. And a little disturbing.


Just when you thought you've seen everything (including the mad drum and guitar accompaniment at 2:35)  here's a counter tenor cover by Vitas. Who's Vitas?

The question is not who, but WHAT is Vitas?


He likes to transform into Amphibian Mandance robot (making funny tongue sounds) and sing about extraterrestrial friends. Whenever he cracks that high note my corneas detach.

I don't think we're in opera crossover anymore, Dorothy. I can't figure this amazing guy out, and maybe that's a good thing. Watch him sing this beautiful lullaby: not only is it a real baby, it's his daughter!


10 comments:

Nat at RA FanBlog said...

This is probably Il Divo's fault, isn't it? Look at what they're doing to you! :)
I like the new layout, Ragtag! Your site opened up and I was all, "Ooo... Aaahhh... Makeover!" It makes me want to spice up my site, but I'll admit, I'm too lazy and will just stick with the same-ol' look for now. :)

Starheart said...

I know! I never used to even know what crossover was, now look at me.

The new layout looks fine but it loads and scrolls really slow. I dunno...might revert back to boring grey and maroon if i can't fix the slow scrolling.

Nat at RA FanBlog said...

It doesn't loads & scrolls just fine on my computer, but I just had it reformatted recently so I guess it depends on how old yours is.

Nat at RA FanBlog said...

Oops... what I MEANT to say: it loads & scrolls fine. :)
I really should preview what I type!

bZirk said...

Love this post!! Will definitely be checking out Manowar and Vitas.

Have you listened to any East Village Opera Company? If not, check them out!

Starheart said...

It's ok Nat, "I understand you completely". Cue eye-roll.

Bzirk, I would never have discovered EVOC if it were not for Il Divo. I like how they did Carmen, and even the flower duet with a guy in it!
Having met so much resistance trying to convert people to Richard Armitage, I haven't a hope in hell of catching any fish for Vitas. It's a shame, because I think he's got such an interesting quirky style.

ElvaDaisy said...

That's a very interesting perfomer indeed ; )
Love the make-over by the way !

Avalon said...

Awesome!
By the way I liked you new blog layout!

Phylly3 said...

Great new look for the blog!
And I love this post. Manowar was awesome -- shades of Freddie Mercury! Rock opera rules!!
As for Vitas, I have to say I prefer his Lullaby -- that was very sweet! His Nessum Dorma seems unnaturally high, very eunuchish, so I'm glad if you tell me that that is indeed his baby (one year later). My he grew up fast! :)
I still prefer Paul Potts version of Nessum Dorma, he's even better than Pavarotti IMHO.

Starheart said...

Thanks Elva, Avalon, Phylly. Perhaps I'll keep the parquet floor bg.