Madame Butterfly

Introduction

This is a short series of stories based on stories shared with me by Vocal friends. The first one is from Brent Millis and is called, erm, Jizzemboweler (Part 01). Because of its location in Japan and the fact, that there is a dastardly figure involved it made me recall Pinkerton and how he treated Cio Cho San in

Puccini's Opera Madame Butterfly

While I am not a huge fan of Madame Butterfly there are some parts of it that are absolutely sublime. I do love the songs taken from it on Malcolm McLaren’s wonderful album “Fans”, such a favourite of mine that I have the CD and the vinyl album.

McLarens dialogue as the dastard Pinkerton is wonderful, you wouldn’t trust him as far as you could throw him. His voice is perfect for a villain.

Taken from somewhere on the internet via a Google Search:

“Madame Butterfly (in Italian Madama Butterfly) is one of opera's most enduring tales of unrequited love. Puccini's poignant score follows the tragic tale of Cio Cio San, a young Japanese girl who falls in love with American naval officer Pinkerton, with devastating consequences”.

Those consequences are that Pinkerton gets Cio Cio San (Madame Butterfly) pregnant, goes back to America marries Kate then comes back to Japan with Kate the result of which is tragic.

This is one of the few operas I have seen (at Sunderland Empire) and it looked impressive but for the most part, I was actually quite bored. There are two songs that I absolutely love in it "Un Bel Di Vedremo" and “O mio babbino caro” .

These are two absolutely beautiful arias and I never tire of hearing them. Malcolm Mclaren adapts “Tu Tu Piccolo Iddio!” which is a bit over the top in the opera itself but McLaren’s rebuild is, to me, far more listenable, and “Fans” does open with a take on “Madame Butterfly”

I know some people will love the whole opera but I do find a lot of opera and classical music tedious, though I find a lot of it wonderful.as well. I do have a sneaky penchant for Gilbert and Sullivan’s light operas which are often quite funny and very listenable. Keeping with the Japanese theme “The Mikado” is both watchable and listenable. Although it is from “Iolanthe” I remember hearing and being impressed with Todd Rundgren’s take on “The Lord Chancellors Nightmare Song” which is a prime example of Gilbert and Sullivan’s musical craftsmanship and Todd Rungren’s vocal abilities and his musicianship.

Away From Japan

Malcolm McLarens “Fans” as well as “Madame Butterfly” also dips into “Turandot” and “Gianni Schicchi” also by Puccini and one song from possibly my favourite opera “Carmen” which is full of amazing songs and pieces although it is not as beautiful as the best of “Madame Butterfly”.

The thing is when I first heard this album it did make me want to visit the source music, which I did. And some I enjoyed and some I didn’t.

Conclusion

I think this shows how easily my mind wanders off beaten paths and follows tangents unseen to others. This could be why my writing does not appeal to those who expect writing to remain within defined limits. It could be seen by some as total rule-breaking.

But I am pleased that I have taken Brent Millis’ original starting point and then sped off in a probably unexpected direction. I do hope people enjoy this rickety ride and gain some new experiences from it.