Dakota Beacon

It might be helpful to many of us, frustrated as never before with matters of politics and economics, to pause and realize that man has been plagued thusly from the beginning of time. Throughout Europe, people have devised ways to let off steam, divert themselves with balls, feasts, parades and other festivities during the period before Lent - roughly from the day after Christmas (St. Stephen’s Day, December 26) until Ash Wednesday.  

We know this in America as Mardi Gras, famously celebrated in New Orleans.  But it is also manifest in the well-known “Carnival of Venice”.  It is a time of abandonment of the strictest rules of society - a time during which the usual barriers of class are obscured through disguises and masks.  Venetian masks have a fascinating history of their own, often depicting characters of the Commedia dell’Arte, some have a very different, practical aspect - the bauta is a nearly featureless whole face mask that allows for talking, eating, drinking, without removing it and was a requirement for political actions which demanded anonymity, such as trials.  The medico della peste (“plague doctor”) mask was created during the plague, worn by doctors.  These masks have become a sort of symbol of Venice now and many of them are very beautiful.  There is even a special ball to choose the “most beautiful mask”!  The costumes which go with them are equally lavish and often quite exotic.  

In Venice, throughout most of the year there were strict social rules, but during the Carnival season, the rules were suspended.  The whole thing began in 1162, it is said, as a celebration of a victory of the Republic of Venice over a rival Patriarch, Ulrico di Treven.  It involved dancing and general revelry.  This continued and evolved into a tradition. But under the control of Francis II, Holy Roman Emperor, the festival was banned in 1797.  Although it returned, mostly as private parties and balls during the 19th Century, it was relegated to history until 1979, when it was revived and lives on (COVID permitting, that is).  At least it lives in our imagination.  

In 1883, before its revival, it was taken up as the subject of a brilliant operetta by none other than Johann Strauss the Younger.  The plot is typical of many Viennese operettas - mistaken identities, disguised lovers, romantic entanglements and confusion which all ends happily as the principal characters are reunited with their true loves and all of the folly is blamed on the carnival.  It was the vehicle for some of Strauss’s loveliest melodies.  Unfortunately I have not yet found a version available here either in English or with English subtitles, so I will link a performance without and summarize the plot.  

The theme “Carnival in Venice” was also made famous by Niccolo Paganini in an adaptation of some Italian folk and popular tunes, and this has, as they say today, “gone viral” with many virtuosic transcriptions and performances on violin, cornet, trumpet, whatever.  

Russian choreographer Marius Petipa used the theme of the carnival for a ballet, so this is fun regardless of our language differences!  It showcases the typical Petipa style of bravado dancing, brilliant and dynamic.  

The making of the exquisite masks is the subject of a short presentation here as well. 

We need a break now, just as the people of Venice needed it in 1162 (maybe even more!), so raise a glass of vino or a cup of cafe and enjoy the jubilant celebration of Carnival in Venice!

Last year’s (2019) opening of the Carnival in Venice on the canal: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGWxOS4yNqs

Carnival in Venice Ballet Suite:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryTWgWDHs9o

Paganini’s Take on the Carnival:

Violin virtuoso Vadim Repin: https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=violin+solo+-+carnival+in+venice&docid=608036149922106827&mid=6FA3B38AD74523D7F7006FA3B38AD74523D7F700&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

Accordionist Michael Majstorovic:  https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=accordion+virtuoso+-+carnival+in+venice&&view=detail&mid=E67A82EC08738CE308D4E67A82EC08738CE308D4&&FORM=VDRVRV

Flute and piano:  https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=accordion+virtuoso+-+carnival+in+venice&&view=detail&mid=C3FD64E6763A1B7298D3C3FD64E6763A1B7298D3&&FORM=VDRVRV

Corne (soloist - Chris Bohanon): https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=carnival+in+venice+-+cornet&docid=608046290282939148&mid=D19C49893897F11595CBD19C49893897F11595CB&view=detail&FORM=VIRE

Venetian masks in their proper environment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI2IgpXX8KA

A Venetian mask maker:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2j0rKaWo6g

Johann Strauss - Carnival in Venice: 

. . . and here is a link to Wikipedia, which has a synopsis of the plot:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJVWW9nG6qc&t=1091s

There are many works inspired by the Venice Carnival, including by the master of French Opera Comique - Jacques Offenbach.  

Maybe Venice’s exuberance will inspire and buoy us up today.

Comments:   lingogirl@yahoo.com