Music from the Heart

Nicole Beller Carbone talks to Puja Goyal about her love for opera

(c) Puja Goyal

It might be happening in Bangalore for the first time! Two talented musicians, Nicole Beller Carbone and Stefan Blunier are going to be performing Opera; with Stefan at the piano and Nicole being the voice.

It will be an unusual concert for all those who haven’t even heard this music; while the others who revel in it might have a feast. There wouldn't be the Opera everyone imagines, with the grand stage sets, make- up and extravagantly dressed actors; but Nicole has beautiful music in store for us. "We have not brought down a huge ensemble because it would be just too much. Besides, carrying them would be a problem. Also, you need space and a proper concert hall that would compliment an Opera. Bangalore has nothing like that designed; so only Stefan and I will be performing," says Nicole.

"Liede vom Herzen" or music from the heart is what opera is all about. This classical combination of music/ theatre/ and art is rooted in the veins of Nicole and very rightly so. "I have grown up in a house where art and music are given prominence. We also listen to a lot of classical music and that influenced me," says Nicole.

Culture and traditions is not something that only we Indians can boast about. The Europeans have a rich heritage to show off too! Nicole explains, "From where I come, music and art is inculcated in children from birth. It is very important to us… and Opera is very popular in Europe; you can live on it very comfortably and that’s another initiative." These could be reasons why Nicole took to music readily after studying acting in Zaragoza.

Opera is not just music, it is drama; it is not just drama, but drama in the form of music. The basic essence of Opera comes from singers enacting drama and dramatic works through their voice and musical instruments. It contains all forms of theatre like acting, costumes, drama, dance and sets; and is a very vibrant experience. It is the purest form of Western Classical Musical tradition. Crucial to an Opera performance is an orchestra or a musical ensemble without which an opera would be incomplete and non- existent.

One of the most difficult acts in an Opera is the character of "Salome" composed by Richard Strauss. "Salome", a one act play is based on Oscar Wilde’s poem of the same title, and translated into German by Hedwig Lachmann. It was first produced at the Court Opera, Dresden, December 9, 1905. While most seem to be amazed by it, Nicole has performed "Salome" many times, "I am surprised to hear that "Salome" is much talked about. The character is relatively easy for me; maybe because drama comes easily to me."

Nicole elaborates, "I rehearsed for "Salome" for a period of two years; including one year where all I did was swim. You need a lot of lung capacity to sing the part of "Salome"". Nicole will not be doing a "Salome" for us but will be singing some Strauss and Guccini instead who are much easier composers for the Bangaloreans' to understand.

Nicole and Stefan who are here on a special invite; will be performing at the concert titled "Lieder & Aries" (songs from the air) on the 30th of July. The concert is organized by Ganjam; Nicole is the wife of Gio Carbone who runs "Le Arti Orafe", a design school; in Lucca Milan; with which Ganjam is associated.