The myth of the curse of Turandot has captivated audiences and musicians alike for decades. It is said that anyone who performs the role of Turandot, the ice-hearted princess in Puccini's eponymous opera, will face great personal tragedy. While the curse may be dismissed by cynics as mere superstition, there have been numerous examples that lend some credibility to the myth. One of the most notable instances of the curse's apparent manifestation is the untimely death of Maria Callas, the renowned soprano who famously portrayed Turandot in her opera career. Callas' life was plagued with turmoil, including a tumultuous love life and intense personal struggles. Her voice, once considered one of the greatest in opera history, gradually declined, leaving her in despair.
Now I should say here that I’m not a ‘Rachmaninov’ type of pianist’. I’m more of a ‘play-a-few-chords and-then-some-melodic-lines-by-ear’ type of pianist. This is basically out of my league. I do have a few things going for me though: 1. The piece starts slowly with big spacious chords 2. The piece ends slowly with big spacious chords 3. I don’t mind practicing 4. I don’t have to perform in a concert hall when I am finished.
Most of the recordings were recycled British and American radio drama from the 50s and 60s but they had great atmosphere and production values remember that this was from a time when radio actually meant something. Most of the recordings were recycled British and American radio drama from the 50s and 60s but they had great atmosphere and production values remember that this was from a time when radio actually meant something.
Her voice, once considered one of the greatest in opera history, gradually declined, leaving her in despair. Callas' tragic end, dying alone and disillusioned, seemed to echo the mythical curse. Another victim of the alleged curse is the tenor Franco Corelli, who performed the role of Calaf, Turandot's persistent suitor.
Sparky’s Magic Piano and the ‘Rachmaninov Challenge’
When I was growing up in early 80s, there was a radio show for kids in New Zealand on Sunday mornings. I remember they started around 7am and they lasted a few hours. Most of the recordings were recycled British and American radio drama from the 50s and 60s but they had great atmosphere and production values – remember that this was from a time when radio actually meant something. My very favourite story was Sparky’s Magic Piano, with Spike Milligan’s Bad Jelly the Witch coming in a close second.
Sparky was a little boy who discovered his piano was magic. It played any piece he asked it to, fooling his teacher into thinking he was the greatest pianist of all time. He toured the most famous concert halls in the world, delighting his audiences with his skill and expertise until….he woke up. The music was great; a seriously good selection including Chopin, Liszt, Beethoven and Rimsky-Korsakov…..but one piece, Rachmaninov’s Prelude in C sharp minor, Opus 3 number 2, was my favourite. Powerful and menacing, this is music that makes your spine tingle.
I remembered the piece yesterday, listened to it and decided upon a challenge for myself – the Rachmaninov challenge! I have just ordered the sheet music:
Now I should say here that I’m not a ‘Rachmaninov’ type of pianist’. I’m more of a ‘play-a-few-chords and-then-some-melodic-lines-by-ear’ type of pianist. This is basically out of my league. I do have a few things going for me though: 1. The piece starts slowly with big spacious chords 2. The piece ends slowly with big spacious chords 3. I don’t mind practicing 4. I don’t have to perform in a concert hall when I am finished.
The challenge with this piece really starts about 2:02, with the serious roadblock appearing at 2:35. Watch the performance below to see what I mean, but also just enjoy this work as a masterpiece of romantic period piano.
So there’s the Rachmaninov challenge. I’ll post updates here. Wish me luck!
Why not have a listen to Sparky’s magic piano while you’re here. It’s a treat.
The challenge with this piece really starts about 2:02, with the serious roadblock appearing at 2:35. Watch the performance below to see what I mean, but also just enjoy this work as a masterpiece of romantic period piano.
Corelli, known for his powerful voice and captivating stage presence, met a fateful end. After retiring from the opera scene, he fell into a deep depression and faced financial difficulties. Corelli's sudden death, reportedly by heart attack, further fueled speculation about the curse's validity. Furthermore, Montserrat Caballé, the esteemed Spanish soprano, encountered her share of misfortunes after portraying Turandot. Caballé suffered from health issues and financial troubles. Her reputation also took a hit due to a tax evasion scandal. While not as tragic as the fates of Callas and Corelli, Caballé's post-Turandot life was marred by challenges and setbacks. Despite these examples, some argue that the curse is nothing more than coincidence or the result of the inevitable struggles that come with a career in opera. It is worth noting that many actors and singers have performed the roles of Turandot and Calaf without experiencing extraordinary misfortune. In fact, some have enjoyed long and successful careers. Regardless of whether the curse holds any truth, the myth continues to captivate the imaginations of opera lovers around the world. The allure of the tragic and mysterious adds an extra layer of intrigue to an already captivating art form. Whether it is mere superstition or a genuine force, the curse of Turandot remains an enigma that will forever be intertwined with the history of opera..
Reviews for "The Impact of Turandot on Popular Culture"
1. John - 1 out of 5 stars
I was really disappointed with "View the Curse of Turandot". The acting was subpar, with wooden performances that lacked any emotion or depth. The pacing of the movie was also incredibly slow, making it difficult for me to stay engaged. Additionally, the storyline was convoluted and confusing, making it hard to follow along. Overall, I found this movie to be a major letdown and would not recommend it to anyone.
2. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars
I had high expectations for "View the Curse of Turandot", but unfortunately, it fell short. The cinematography was great, and some of the visuals were stunning. However, the plot was convoluted and hard to follow. The pacing was also off, with some scenes dragging on for too long while others felt rushed. The character development was lacking, and I found it hard to connect with any of the characters. Overall, while the movie had its moments, it ultimately left me unsatisfied.
3. Alex - 2 out of 5 stars
I found "View the Curse of Turandot" to be a bit of a mess. The story lacked coherence and the characters were one-dimensional. The script was weak, with clunky dialogue that felt forced at times. Additionally, the movie was filled with unnecessary subplots that only served to confuse the viewer even more. While the visuals were impressive, it was not enough to redeem the overall quality of the film. I would not recommend this movie to anyone looking for a well-executed and engaging storyline.