We embark on a new year, new decade. Last night I went to the gorgeous production of "Der Rosenkavalier" at the Metropolitan Opera, one of the perks of living in Manhattan (note that the seat cost less than $30). It's an opera with music sublime and the overarching theme of the inevitable passing of time--and the wisdom to accept it. The Marschallin (princess) has an affair with a young count (always a soprano dressed like a boy), and she correctly warns him that sooner or later he will leave her for a younger woman. Which he does quickly. But the princess accepts that this is part of life, and at the end says she loves him for the love he has for the young girl. It's a sad, beautiful moment, filled with acceptance. (Strauss wrote that the affair with the young count was not the princess's first nor her last.)
All this touches on the matter of living with or without partner. A new novel I've written deals with the subject, as it did in "Living Alone Creatively." In the new book the protagonist has an on again, off again romance with a successful, altogether desirable physician who is the pursuer. The protagonist is filled with ambivalence, saying that his two cats provide him with the affection he needs. At least most of the time. I guess that, living alone as I do, it's a theme high in my mind. Ambivalence about partnering is usually hanging around.
My friend Michael Lowenthal, an excellent writer and person, has been in a gay relationship most of his life. He lives in Boston and wrote me recently that he finds the relationship a grounding point that allows greater freedom rather than a cause for restriction. I'm not sure how many people have achieved that--I know several for whom I'm sure it's not true--but Michael is a smart guy and I loved reading what he wrote. He's achieved an admirable goal.
Happy 2010 to those of you nice enough to read these words.
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About Me
- NYCStan
- Serious, humorous, active, youthful senior, native of Texas, long-time Manhattan resident. Published four books in last decade, hoping to make it five. Teacher French/Spanish. Gay man living alone, interested to meet others--seriously.
StanleyEly.com
1 comment:
Stanley was kind enough to invite me to join him last night for the Metropolitan Opera's Der Rosenkavalier, but sadly I had to decline because of a business commitment. I knew Stanley would have a wonderful evening, even without me :) I am not suprised that it raised the subject of living alone, etc. Der Rosenkavalier, one of the gems of the opera literature, has, though actually a comedy, serious things to say about life and its ever-present realities. Stanley nailed it with his eloquent prose. I have been listening to Rosenkavalier for about 35 years and it never fails to raise all sorts of emotions buried deeply for protection. The relationship between the Marchallin and Octavian makes me both joyful and sad; it is such a sweet, tender relationshiop, though you know it won't last. The Marschallin is a very wise lady. By the way, when a female plays a male part, it is called a pants role and is found in numerous operas throughout the centuries. Der Rosenkavalier was composed between 1909-1910, with a libretto in German by Hugo von Hofmannsthal. It was first performed with GREAT success in Dresden, January 26, 1911. Setting is in Vienna in the 1740s, the early years of the reign of Maria Theresa. It has enthralled audiences since its 1911 premiere. Following its sensational premiere, additional trains were provided around Europe to bring unprecedented opera-goers to Dresden. What a grand world it must have been...Wish I could have been there. If you are one of those people who think opera is boring, or you feel you don't know enough or whatever, I highly recommend making an effort to see and hear this one. It will be a night to remember. ask Stanley.
By the wasy, I couldn't agree more about your friend who has found freedom and grounding with his long relationship and doesn't suffer from nagging feelings of restricition. I too have seen very few "free" relationships, sadly. I remain hopeful.
Happy New Year 2010 to all. Keep smiling and please do a little something for someone else every day; it's powerfully infectious.
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