Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Night at the Opera" by William Matthews offers a nuanced reflection on the art of opera, exploring themes of appearance, artistry, and the distinction between surface beauty and deeper emotional truth. The poem juxtaposes the audience's superficial expectations with the performers' genuine, often grueling efforts to convey both technical precision and emotional depth.

The poem begins with a critique from a "beautiful young woman" who finds the tenor "too fat" and the soprano "dowdy and old." This initial complaint reflects a common preoccupation with physical appearance, suggesting that audiences sometimes prioritize visual appeal over vocal or emotional performance. The poem challenges this shallow perspective by questioning whether the physical traits of performers—such as a tenor's weight or a soprano's age—should affect the reception of their artistry. Matthews cleverly uses the example of Othello's race and Rigoletto's deformity, pointing out that such characteristics are often secondary to the power of the narrative and the performance.

The poem then draws a parallel to fairy tales, where a prince's physical beauty is often seen as a sign of his moral goodness. Matthews uses this comparison to underscore the unrealistic nature of such expectations. The line "his face is not creased, nor are his limbs gnarled" emphasizes the contrast between the idealized, youthful prince and the reality of aging opera singers. This sets the stage for a more profound exploration of the art form's realities.

As the narrative progresses, Matthews focuses on the physical and emotional strain faced by the performers. The tenor, holding "the soprano's broad, burgeoning face," is described in unflattering but honest terms: their "combined age is ninety-seven," and there are signs of age and nervousness—"spittle in both pinches of her mouth" and a "vein in his temple twitches like a worm." These vivid details highlight the vulnerability and humanity of the performers, far removed from the idealized images often expected on stage.

The tension peaks as the tenor prepares to hit a high B-flat, a moment fraught with fear and technical difficulty. The poem captures this intense pressure, noting that "His eyes / widen with fear as he climbs to the high / B-flat he'll have to hit and hold for five / dire seconds." This moment of vulnerability is contrasted with the expected applause that follows, underscoring the fragile balance between artistic achievement and audience approval.

Matthews references a historical anecdote about Franco Corelli biting Birgit Nilsson's ear during a performance, a vivid illustration of the passion and competitiveness that can arise between performers. This incident also serves to humanize the performers, revealing the intense emotions that underlie their polished exterior.

The poem concludes by acknowledging the physical discomfort and sheer effort involved in performing opera. The description of the singers as "poached in sweat" and smelling "like fermenting pigs" emphasizes the reality behind the glamour, where costumes weigh heavily and the demands of the performance are taxing. Despite these challenges, the singers' voices "rise / and twine not from beauty, nor from the lack / of it, but from the hope for accuracy / and passion, both." This line captures the essence of their craft: the pursuit of precise vocal execution and the conveyance of genuine emotion.

The final assertion, "Beauty's for amateurs," serves as a powerful conclusion, suggesting that true artistry transcends physical appearance and surface-level beauty. It is the dedication to capturing both the technical and emotional aspects of performance that defines professional artistry in opera.

"A Night at the Opera" thus becomes a meditation on the nature of art and the expectations placed on artists. Matthews challenges the audience to look beyond superficial judgments and appreciate the hard work, skill, and emotional investment that true performance requires. The poem celebrates the authenticity and dedication of the performers, offering a deeper appreciation for the complexities and realities of their craft.

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