a man not worthy of their respect because they think he does not represent real American values.
The fact is, he was elected. Even if it was by a majority vote in the Electoral College rather than by popular vote. Even if he dissed America in favor of Russia. Even when he continues to keep the mystery of his taxes close to his chest. Like a playing card, lest it be known that he has a joker rather than an ace.
Mr. Frazier, our constant companion, has, in numerous occasions felt put upon by our negative responses to the new American president. He did not vote for Trump. But even when we sometimes cannot hold our tongue on some issue or other, he does remind us that this is how democracy works; that however much we dislike the outcome, it must be given due respect.
Which brings us to Dvorak’s Rusalka. This is a classical opera in Czech. The Little Mermaid’s story that is not given a “happy-ever-after” ending, as in most fairy tales we know. But, instead, a grim tragedy of loss and alienation and heartbreak, caused simply by the mermaid’s (Rusalka) dogged desire to have legs like a human. Feel the love of a human. A prince who she sees hunting in the woods.
Rusalka gets what she wants, but at the cost of losing her voice. The witch Jezibaba, whose potion gave her her legs, also warns her that if she is betrayed …” she will be damned and the man she loves will die.” (excerpt from the program) The Prince falls under her spell, but cannot communicate herself to him, that although she looks human, she is not fully human. This drives the Prince to another woman, a Red Princess, who easily gives in to the challenge of a rivalry with Rusalka’s silence.
She is heartbroken. Runs back to the water, but is rejected. She wanders the woods in despair. The Prince looks for her, finds her, but dies with the one kiss they share. She is bereft and alone.
It was a four-hour opera, but did not even feel like one.||| |||buy spiriva inhaler online with |||