Packing Up
3 February

Ross and I have had our first visit to London when we are both visitors. It was quite strange in its way.

Our avowed intent in being there was to do the final packing of Ross's belongings. However, really there was little or nothing to do. However, we took in an opera, had lunch with Robert and shopped for CDs and books. The two of us had a really good time together.

One of the very good things that has come out of my recent troubles at work is that is has reminded me and us as to why I'm in this relationship. I can remember how lonely it felt at UCL when I had no-one to come home to of an evening to tell my day to. And Ross often wonders why a big powerful man like me needs to be around him. Well, now he has another example of exactly why.

The weekend began well as we were upgraded into first class because of a lack of disabled facilities in standard. This meant that we got free drinks and dim sum snacks.

Robert was in fine fettle. Student life is suiting him. And, although he has just split up from his girlfriend Rachel, he seems reasonably content with life.

Ross and I added to my opera almanac for the first time this year by going to Covent Garden to see Don Giovanni. I doubt that I'll ever hear such a wonderfully sung account of the music again. The women, Adrianne Pieczonka as Donna Anna and Melanie Diener as Donna Elvira, were outstanding. Bryn Terfel was a physically and musically imposing Don. Rainer Trost's Don Ottavio was less of a cipher that is usual. He seemed more of a man of mettle but also someone who was hide-bound by his own code of honour. Alan Held's Leporello was less successful. The two young rôles of Zerlina and Masetto were taken by Rebecca Evans and Ashley Holland. They are usually try out parts for artists who will go on. Bryn was a Masetto once.

But, but, but...

It very rarely felt as though anyone was singing to anyone else and it quite often felt as though no-one was singing words that meant anything. And I know that my ear has become more attuned to the Early Music way with Mozart but, even then, Colin Davis's tempi just felt flabby most of the time.

Francesa Zambello's production was mostly OK. At least it was set in a period where religion and codes of honour actually had a profound effect on people's behaviours. Like Rigoletto from last year, the set was an architectural structure isolated centre stage with space going well into the wings on either side. Maybe that's going to be the house style from now on.