Classical work by ex-Pink Floyd
bassist to premiere in Rome (ANSA) - Rome, October 5 - A new opera
written by Roger Waters aims at reviving the spirit of liberty,
equality and fraternity which existed before the French Revolution
degenerated into the Terror, the former Pink Floyd bassist explained
here.
Waters was in the Italian capital
to present his classical work, which will have its world premiere at
the new Music Park here on November 17, with a second performance the
next day.
The opera, 'Ca Ira', which
roughly means 'So It Will Be', is based on a libretto by French
composer Etienne Roda-Gil, who has penned songs for Juliette Greco and
Johnny Halliday, and Waters began work on the composition in 1989,
during the bicentennial celebrations for the French Revolution.
In explaining what drew him to
the theme, Water recalled that "my mother was a Communist and when I
was little I would sit in on her meetings and watch those
black-and-white films by Eisenstein. Certain ideals are part of my
upbringing" 'Ca Ira' will be performed in the main Santa Cecilia Hall
by some 100 elements from the Rome Symphony and 80 members of its
chorus, including children.
A chorus of children was one of
the key elements in one of the landmark 'concept' albums Waters wrote
for Pink Floyd, 'The Wall' in 1979.
Waters, who was the driving force
behind the British progressive rock group in its heyday of the late
1970s and early '80s, said there was little difference between 'Ca Ira'
and 'The Wall' because "music is music".
"There are only two real
differences between the two. One is that instead of using a guitar,
bass, keyboard and drums I wrote for an orchestra and chorus; and the
second is that the idea behind the opera was not originally mine."
Waters rejoined the other members of Pink Floyd for the first time
since 1981 when they performed in London for last July's Live 8 global
concert.
He split with the group over creative differences with guitarist David Gilmour, who then took over the band.
Looking towards the future, the
Pink Floyd bassist did not rule out another reunion because "playing
again together at Live 8, doing the old songs, was very moving. For
over 20 years David and I maintained extreme positions but now I
realise that my behavior was very childish." "As in all things one has
to find common ground, meet halfway. That's why I can say today that
you never know, it could happen." Turning his attention to the Live 8
global concerts, Waters said that while some criticised the event's
organizers, Bob Geldof and U2's Bono, "I take my hat off to them
because their commitment produced results." "Politicians never turn
down cheap publicity and getting a photo session with a rock star is
just that, even for (British Prime Minister) Tony Blair," the British
musician quipped.
"But the reality is that just the
other day it was decided to forgive part of the Third World's debt. But
much more needs to be done," the ex-Pink Floyd member said.
"If we do not do something to
resolve the disparity between the rich and poor we run the risk that
the anger of the poor will explode. This could even happen in the
United States where the rich keep getting richer and the poor poorer."
During the presentation of his opera, Waters also revealed a special
bond he has with Italy. "My father is buried in Anzio, where he was
killed during the Allied landing. This makes me feel very close to
Italy."
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