Tenera è La Notte a Perugia

(A program of music & other cultural events) 8.14.05

Friday night we went to a music performance. Not really sure what to expect, it was part of this ongoing list of events that is the city of Perugia. We picked up a brochure at the Information office (There is also a monthly publication called "Viva Perugia" which lists events for the month if you live in the area and haven't seen it, it costs euro 0.80 and is available at newsstands) "Tenera è La Notte" (translation: Tender is the Night) is just chock full of all sorts of interesting performances and readings and what have you. Friday's turned out to be a quintet of musicians and a guy reciting parts of plays - not singing, but reciting monologues and he was amazing. We are understanding more and more Italian and he was so expressive it was just fun to watch. And, we think it's just good for us to listen to Italian spoken and hope that eventually we will be able to comprehend more.

The event was billed as "la musica e la parola" (music and words). Their first piece was the overture from Fiddler on the Roof - the room was quiet, the lights dimmed and suddenly we heard the sound of a drum, then from the back of the room, a flute, followed in turn by each of the other 3, an oboe, clarinet, and French horn, very sweet and seductive almost and so unexpected to have the musicians come up from around the room like that. It was so conceptual as well, to have them begin with this play that is so rich in narrative, with Tevia talking to the audience. Anyway, the musicians played and the "Voce Recitante" recited some poetry, some monologues - like the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet and other works of Italian literature we were not familiar with but enjoyed listening to all the same. The finale was a song all the Italians in the audience knew and were invited to sing along with, followed by the last refrains of "Fiddler" again, coming full circle. The Sala de Notari is such a cool building anyway with its painted walls and ceilings it is such a terrific backdrop to these types of performances.

Throughout Perugia, and the surrounding area, are concerts, dancing, light shows, tons of stuff for kids, art exhibitions, movies, music of every genre, from classical to jazz, to rock to salsa and everything in between - truly something for everyone. It's just amazing how much there is to do and most of it free to the public.

On Thursday Bob went by himself to a light show that included a live orchestra performance in Piazza IV November. I had hurt my foot (I actually found the phrase "sbattere il dito del piede" - to stub one's toe - in the dictionary!) so I didn't want to walk around anymore that day and stayed home. But he said it was amazing and I will be adding photos he took. I have a lovely purple bruise now but it's getting better every day. I should know better than to walk around barefoot but I still have not learned this lesson!