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filth a deux

Nothing could illustrate better the “strange intercourse” between artist and public than the following clip. Chris Merritt‘s 2008 performance of the rarely-heard cabaletta to “Rachel quand du Seigneur” is not much worse than you might expect, but it is the “ovation” at the end that elevates the entire experience to the highest summit of Filth.

33 comments

  • WindyCityOperaman says:

    God, Chris. Yell much? At least he realized that no interpolated high notes were going to work so he dodged them. This is pretty substandard singing – probably a reason while the caballtta is usually cut.

    A family member in the audience perhaps?

  • The Fanned Inquisitor says:

    I’m now convinced that I need a hearing aid less than before. VVVVViiiiiiiiiiiiile

  • Gualtier Maldè says:

    Clearly the man who recorded this performance in house is same person who is screaming bravo. I heard some boos faintly in the distance while he screams his head off. Neil Shicoff dropped this cabaletta when he did “La Juive” at the Met. There are multiple high C’s in it.

  • Harold says:

    This reminds me of Anna Moffo’s later attempts at singing. Also of Stefan Zucker’s early attempts at singing.

  • High C's @ 4:20 says:

    HOLY SHIT Chris Merritt’s STALKER scared the hell out of me with that first BRAVO!!!!!!!!!…

    Im guessing the rest of the applause was cuz he perhaps left the stage???

  • Andy says:

    It reminded me of “Jour et nuit” from Les Contes d’Hoffmann. C’est la methode…

  • MissJohnsonFromLondon says:

    Why do people who cannot hear choose to go to the opera?

  • Chacowhacko says:

    Is he still famous?

  • jdjeff says:

    In response to no.8. I’m partially deaf in one ear and I could still tell it was bad! Maybe I have a chance at a career in opera after all. Apparently ability is not a prerequisite… just some noisy person to yell bravo when you are finished.