Customer Reviews

The Audition

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Opera is an aging art form, as Met Opera honcho Peter Gelb points out to the successful candidates for the 2007 National Council Finals. And yet, in this riveting documentary, nearly a dozen men and women, most of whom are under the age of 30, have committed their lives to singing repertoire that is deeply out of fashion with most of their peers. And they do it -- peerlessly. It's a glimpse behind the scenes, literally, to the years of training that they have undergone and the 10 minutes or so they will have on stage that will make them or (possibly) break them. There's an African American from Texas, who's had the bailiffs show up at his door; an Icelandic singer who's a star at home and wants an international career; and a guy from New Jersey, whose ambition radiates from him with the same manic intensity that his voice projects audibly. (As one judge later says, he'll either be great, or he'll be dead.) The music never overwhelms the characters (or vice versa) and the viewer is treated to lots of insight into what makes a good opera singer better, from breathing to dramatic technique. Then there's the competition... It's impossible not to root for your favorite singers in this. Watching this has convinced me to buy a ticket to the 'real thing' this year.

Highly recommended to anyone with an interest of any kind in music, or even someone who just likes great documentaries.

We thoroughly enjoyed this documentary on the best young opera stars of tomorrow.
A great behind the curtains look at how these people handle critisism, nerves, rejection and success. The comments from judges and professionals are invaluable in giving young singers a taste of what it takes to be a good singer and rise above the others.

The bonus sections are wonderful also! The Kansas City competition is even more informative and entertaining than the movie itself!
Renee Fleming's discussion with 2 other seasoned veterans is also a helpful insight.

If you have a kid or are a young adult who aspires to sing professional classical or opera, this is a must have in your understanding of how the road to success begins.

A wonderful look at the auditions that take place every year, the National Council auditions, for young, hopeful aspiring opera stars. Who knew how much money and incredible effort goes into the dreams of becoming a star with the Met, or (at the very least) other nationally recognized opera companies? The heartbreak surrounding the circumstances of one male performer moved me to tears. A purchase I am happy I made to share with friends who enjoy knowing about truly heroic efforts to "make the grade" in this rarified air of the Metropolitan Opera.

This documentary is simply wonderful. I've invited friends to view it, I've carted it around to others' homes, I've pestered people to look out for another showing on Public Television. I've had to put the DVD away for a little, although in no way has it palled for me. It has so many aspects. The wonderful singing,of course, the awesomeness of the auditorium, the backstage, the kindness and helpfulness of the Met staffers to these young singers (in the finale, one of the voice coaches has tears running down her cheeks, as she listens backstage), the eavesdropping on conversations between the singers, their talks into the camera when they explain what their chosen aria means to them. The expressions on their faces when caught in unguarded moments particularly--- as the filmmaker points out--
when they hear each other sing for the first time with the orchestra. One very articulate young woman spells out after a breathing class that you get all this advice, you practice the techniques, but then, you forget it all and you sing---but, to sing like this. It is possible only after years and years of training. One tenor, Alek Shrader,singing Ah. Mes Amis, was just a knock-out, bursting with barely contained energy, as he hit the nine high C's the aria calls for. By now launched in his career and represented by a New York agent,
I wonder if he will ever escape this song. I could listen to him for ever. This cinema verite film is masterfully put together. It has everything: tension, suspense, joy, disappointment, even tragedy provided by a real life event. Who needs a script?

This is a wonderful, interesting, inspiring, informative experience of the trials and level of performance that artists must endure to reach the top of their profession. A most wonderful gift to an opera lover.

This is a wonderful, authentic movie about what it takes to participate in auditions at the Metropolitan Opera and the dedication and talent involved to be there in the first place. A movie that anyone who loves music will enjoy, opera fan or not.

This is the best of the best for anyone who is interested in how opera stars start at the beginning of their careers. One of the best films I have truly ever watched. LOVED IT! AND SO DID MY FRIENDS WHO I HAD WATCH IT (and who were very reluctant to watch it].

This is truly a slice of human nature. All the fears, anxieties, the guts; the learning, the camaraderie, the empathy; the chest-pounding, the relief, the release...this is not an opera tape. This is for anyone who has ever tried---or will try---to push himself beyond what he thinks are his limitations. Absolutely uplifting. A joy to watch over and over...

I have been a MET subscriber and supporter for a number of years and have been fascinated by all of the facets of this company. This DVD is certainly one of those feel-good productions, in that the staff at the MET worked so hard to help
these young people accomplish what they had hoped to. It is too bad that all of them did not win a prize, but for all of them it was a chance of a lifetime to sing on THAT stage with the MET orchestra under the baton of Marco Armiliato, and
in front of that very appreciative audience. Wow, I wish I had been there!

If you are an opera hopeful or you care about someone who is, you will enjoy this documentary. It is a backstage view of a premier competition for young opera performers.