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Berlioz’s La Damnation de Faust

2 years ago
In previous versions of the Faust story, including Goethe's, the particulars changed, but not the broad outlines. In Berlioz's Faust, the hero goes to Hell, eternally damned. On one level, he sacrifices himself because he wants to save his beloved Marguerite. On the other, less noble level, he winds up in Hell because he, like so many of us, neglected to read the fine print of a contract. Yes, he should have been more suspicious—the spooky-looking stranger is named Méphistophélès, for pity's sake—but then again, you'd think a heroine worthy of music as sublime as Marguerite's two arias wouldn't be so idiotic as to accidentally poison her mother. It's better not to delve too deeply into these logical inconsistencies. As W. H. Auden famously noted, “No opera plot can be sensible, for people do not sing when they are feeling sensible.”
René Spencer Saller

Mage wins star-crossed Kentucky Derby amid 7th death

2 years ago
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — After seven deaths raised questions about the future of horse racing, Mage earned a surprising Kentucky Derby victory on Saturday, capping a nerve-rattling day that included two more fatalities ahead of the 149th edition of the world’s most famous race. Mage, a 15-1 shot, had only one win in his career, [...]
BETH HARRIS, Associated Press

Event Draws Hundreds: Mac's Kentucky Derby Party, Photo Gallery Included

2 years ago
More Pics at: https://www.randymanning.com/Macs-Kentucky-Derby-Party ALTON - Each Kentucky Derby Day at Mac’s in Downtown Alton puts the city on the map and draws hundreds in for race day from throughout the area and much beyond. Many mark their calendars for Derby Day to visit Mac’s. One of those is Robin Nasello of Alton. “I was there Saturday for the Kentucky Derby Party,” she said. “Also, Channel 3 is one of my favorites. They have been playing for quite a while and have a good sound and music. Mac and Rob Lenhardt are both great guys and they run a great event every year.” Mac and Rob Lenhardt of Mac’s were both pleased with the two days of activities at the establishment - first the Cinco De Mayo Celebration on Friday, then Kentucky Derby Day on Saturday. Mac’s reserved the Michelob Ultra Build A Bar for Friday. Glendale Riders were a hit on Friday evening. On Saturday, Channel 3 and the Silver Bullet Bob Sugar Tribute Band

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