This is Opera Season 2 Episode 13 Rusalka

This is Opera season 2 episode 13, titled "Rusalka", is a beautifully eerie exploration of Antonín Dvořák's haunting opera of the same name. In this episode, the This is Opera team delves deep into the fairy tale world of Dvořák's Rusalka, which draws heavily from Slavic mythology and tells the story of a water nymph who falls in love with a mortal man.

As with all episodes of This is Opera, the viewer is treated to a wealth of information on the historical context, music theory, and production details that come together to create a successful opera performance. The team interviews singers, conductors, and designers who have all played a part in bringing Rusalka to life on stage, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the opera's creation.

The episode begins with an introduction to the key elements of the story and the music, with the This is Opera team highlighting the ways in which Dvořák uses melody, harmony, and orchestration to create the otherworldly atmosphere of Rusalka. They compare Dvořák's style to that of his contemporary, Giuseppe Verdi, and discuss the ways in which Rusalka takes traditional operatic forms and twists them to suit its unique setting and mood.

We then meet the director of the production featured in the episode, who shares his vision for bringing Rusalka to life on stage. He describes the challenges of dealing with a story that is part-fairy tale, part-emotional drama, and how he incorporates elements of both into his staging and design choices.

The episode also goes behind the scenes with the singers, who share their own experiences with performing in the opera. They discuss the challenges of interpreting Dvořák's music and lyrics, as well as the emotional demands of portraying the various characters in Rusalka. One singer notes that, because the story is so fantastical, the performers must work extra hard to make the audience feel invested in the characters and their emotions, even if they are not entirely relatable.

As the episode progresses, we see the various pieces of the production coming together. The set and costume designers share their inspirations, with the former drawing heavily from the natural world and the latter incorporating elements of traditional Eastern European dress. The orchestra rehearses, with the conductor emphasizing the need to bring out the unique timbres and textures of Dvořák's score.

Finally, the production itself is showcased in all its eerie glory. We see the singers and actors bringing their characters to life on stage, with the set and lighting design adding to the otherworldly atmosphere. The camera work captures the various moments of tension and beauty in the opera, showcasing the intricate details that make up this stunning production.

Overall, This is Opera season 2 episode 13 offers a fascinating look at one of Dvořák's most haunting and beautiful works. With in-depth explorations of the music, the history behind the story, and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making an opera production, this episode is a must-watch for both fans of Rusalka and for anyone interested in the art and craft of producing an opera performance.