debussy’s pelleas p1: recordings I love

I’ve been so busy... midterms are hell. 

I wrote this a long time ago, @notyouraveragejulie​, but I never posted it. Might as well drop it now. Voila. 

Abbado/Le Roux/Ewing is such a gem. It is one of the few recordings I’ve encountered where the acting aka vocal inflections are so good that we almost forget it’s a studio recording. 

Abbado conducts on the faster side, but his dramatic timing is really good. The sound quality is pretty beautiful as well. The muted sailor choir in Act 1, the moon lighting the cave in Act 2, the darkness to light transition in Act 3 all sound gorgeous. Debussy’s sound world is so dreamy.  

I prefer Pelleas as a light baritone rather than a darker sounding tenor. Le Roux is so perfect. Hearing a slight strain during the climatic high notes really makes the character come to life. It also contrasts well with Golaud. 

For Melisande, I feel there is a larger range of portrayals from naive to seductive to everything in between. I prefer Mezzo Sopranos to Sopranos here, and Maria Ewing definitely makes this role her own. Her smooth voice and mysterious interpretation belongs with this ambiguous soundscape. 

Golaud has a lot of angry scenes that bring lots of tension: not as beautiful as the rest of the opera but dramatically necessary. My favorite scenes with him are his Act 1 conversation with Melisande and his desperate Act 3 conversation with Yniold. Jose van Damm does a fine job, very beautiful, solid voice in literally anything he records. 

Here are 2 tracks I like on other recordings: 

https://open.spotify.com/track/0MxAwOuWI2MLSlISZExmYL?si=80e6373c16984329

Starting at 6:20, Yniold sees the light in Melisande’s tower and Golaud lifts him so he can see his stepmother through the window. When Yniold then innocently reports seeing Pelleas with Melisande in the room, Golaud gets super distressed and Yniold, still stuck on his shoulders, gets super scared. 

Patricia Pace in the Abbado recording is a very cute Yniold, more believable than some of the other sopranos out there. However, hearing a boy soprano(Anthony Britten) here singing Yniold just feels right. His delivery of “j'ai terriblement peur” is perfect, so afraid and desperate. Donald McIntyre really gives anguished Wotan vibes. Those “Regarde”s are heartbreaking. 

https://open.spotify.com/track/5zPkT6xkbqBp2QYoP0lMIk?si=11ce94fea60b4c0f

Spotify somehow has this live Karajan recording, and wow this one has a few seconds of amazingness. But it’s very Karajan. Definitely feels more heavy and “German”. Even as a Wagnerian, I dislike the orchestral approach, but...

Karajan’s live dramatic take of the last scene of act 4 is just ridiculously exciting. It’s super fast, much faster than his official recording, almost as if someone had nerves or felt something magical in the air. Then we have Henri Gui(an absolute revelation like Le Roux, I wish we had a better quality recording of his work) and Hilde Gueden(have a soft spot for her work, so light and bright compared to Ewing). 

At 3:46, Pelleas starts telling Melisande that he has to leave, and it builds into a breathless “Je t'aime”. Melisande replies with a low  “Je t'aime jussi”. Then, 

Gui waits 6 fricking seconds. And responds with the most shy “Oh! qu'as-tu dit, Mélisande!” I’ve ever heard. This whole section is so precious, we need more opera characters like this...

This recording is hampered by a lot(horn fumble, voice mishap, loud prompter, poor sound quality in general), but I can not move on from the last part of the scene (11:58 and onwards). Karajan’s frenetic conducting with Gueden’s precise high notes and the dramatic dialogue after Melisande spots Golaud is addictive. 

The strings playing during the last kiss as well as the stabbing section dig into your skin. The cornets blaring Golaud’s theme are another great touch.  

Gui’s timbre on “Encore! Encore! donne donne donne!” sounds really different from his previous singing, almost as if he truly ascended to another dimension. Gueden’s “Toute! toute! toute!” matches his tone very well, completing a really satisfying take of the dramatic Act 4 finale. 

Time for Luffy's fashion exam! Now, I'll be honest, I did skip an outfit because I decided I will be ending this whole thing with the Strawhat fashion show in Episode of Luffy. Also, sorry for the posting gap, I remembered I have other unfinished post sets. That being said, this is a very long one so let's do this!

Kid Luffy, Post-Enies Lobby & Fish-Man Island: I think it's super cute when Luffy has white t shirts with red based logos because it reminds me of the first picture. Makes him look baby plus, they can always be found in cute domestic EPs or fun, cute flashbacks. The shorts change over time and that's also kinda cute, a range of cuffs is a nice change up. It's nice to see the red contrast the blue shorts and the white is a nice color on him cos it contrast his hair!

Romance Dawn, Enies Lobby, Thriller Bark, Sabaody Archipelago, Amazon Lily, Marineford & last Dressrosa outfit: This look is the pre Luffy look. It's the pre Timeskip look everyone thinks of is cuffed shorts, Kimono sandels and sleeveless vest (and Strawhat, obviously) but have you ever seen them all in a line? It's mad. Each outfit is the same basic look bit more are more spicy each time! I like the Thriller Bark and Sabaody Archipelago looks a little bit more cos it's nice to see that jacket open and it feels like he was trying something new. I also feel that the buttons on the jacket look like the ones on Shanks' pegged ankle sailor pants when we first see him so that's cool. (it took me hours to find the name for his trousers, oh my fucking god) The last Dressrosa outfit feels like a nice callback to the rest of the line up here without being too much cos it's just a red vest top instead and I do find it funny it's like the Enies Lobby and it's used in Dressrosa because of the jokes people make about Robin and Law being so similar.

Timeskip: This is it lads, it's the one true icon itself, the post look! ☺️ When I sit back and look at it I see all the people this look is influenced by and want to cry at how masterful it really is. (Now, I do wanna say that I didn't come up with this nor am I the first to say it and I am definitely probably looking too much into this but) The yellow belt is taken from Shanks' red belt the first time we see him and the Shanks look Luffy is more familiar with. Now onto the jacket. I know it won't stand out as to why for most but it's Ace inspired! When Ace leave to become a pirate, the start of his adventure, he has his jacket open and Luffy having his jacket open also shows his scar from the ending of Ace's adventure. I also really appreciate how no one hides scars in this anime. Also, someone said that the style of the jacket and it's fancy frills could be in reference to Sabo's little jabot collar and honestly I do see it. it's quite subtle unlike Shanks' but not as hard to catch as Ace's so I enjoy thinking that it's there too. Lastly, he still has his cuffed shorts and kimono sandels because it's still Luffy's outfit at the end of the day and he is still who is is, just with a stronger appreciation of what people have done for him now. It's also his colour pallette for the pure fact he is the main character n needs his pallet. also sometimes he just has normal wooden sandels but the same outfit sometimes, it's a small detil a lot of people overlook but I prefer the sound of his Kimono sandels 😊

Dressrosa: I love this outfit cos it's stilly but also has very nice vibes. Looks ready for the beach but is really throwing hands and that's the best kind of outfit, it's a nice expectation subversion tbh. I also like how he tried to hide the Straw hat but not... All of it? And I love how the crew didn't actually question it either. It would have been super easy for one of them to just tell him to leave it behind or something but I do really love how respectful they always are of the hat. I myself have a hat that's super important to me and when I loose it I go mad.

Whole Cake Island: I love this arc for outfits! I swear if the actual content of it doesn't kill me, the act looks will 😭 it's all so magical and it knows it is! Like I said before, white is a good color on him as he has black hair but for the same reason, so is black! In this arcs outfit range, the Staw hat seems almost invisible and his outfit gets less and less 'Luffy' as the arc gose on showing this is not about him. He's not the focus of this arc and you can see that in a lot of the outfits thb. I also like the lack of blue and yellow, 2/3 of his colors as Sanji is often associated with those too as we've talked about before. Also, I like the little red strips on the white jacket with the gold buttons, idk why and I think it's nice that the last 2 outfits are so simple in general, it's a nice look for him. oh, what's that? A Pink jabot? Your killing me Lu, straight up killing me here lil' bro! Side note, is this the first time in canon Luffy has worn a suit jacket or is it the only time I've noticed? Cos DAMM!! Shits sick as fuck and I actually love that when wearing a suit jacket as such he always keep short on 😆

Spa Island, Z's Ambition & Strong World: WHOS READY FOR A RELAXING SUNNY DAAAYY!? (pun not intended but very much enjoyed) I actually adore the fact Luffy still tries to go swimming cos it was his favourite thing to do as a kid so like fuck Luffy is gonna give up on that. He's got his safety measures ready, what more do you want from him? I mean I personally want him not to swim with his hat on cos it's litrally Staw and that's not good for water but anyway Z's Ambition, am I right!? The top is so fucking cute and I just noticed those shorts are also ✨designer✨ fancy man!! Now, the pic of Zoro is the one I missed out before and it's also from Z's Ambition. I love that Luffy has the shark top but Zoro has the ocean shorts. I really love Zoro in this purple cos and thick white stripes really work with the ocean waves. It's really well put together and hes got dark brown sandels on to off set all the white but keep the purple from being a stand out color, it's cool! Than the last Luffy looks like he's at a fashion show. It looks like the shorts come from a kids set the shark top belongs to. Imagine those together, it'd be so cute. However, it isn't an ocean patten, those are clouds cos Nami has a bikini top with the same pattern in Skypiea and it's actually one of my favourites for her.

Boss Luffy Historical Special! This filler AU is so much fun, I think any it a lot. He has his hair up in that super cute and useless way that doesn't actually do much but I do have my hair like that a lot n it's just... nice? Idk, it's strange buy I like he did that. I really enjoy his Kimono more that the actual Wano one cos it's a lot more simple look. The Sai being tucked in in that way is also cool but kinda makes it look like it's stabbing him a bit 👁️👄👁️. I like the pin strips being like a faded purpleish cos if you just glance at it, it makes it look it fuzzy. The belt also looks very nice with the middle ligter bit. It really feels like the Wano one was inspired by this is a way cos of the color matches. Like, it's probably not but still.

3D2Y, Adventure of Nebulandia 😍 & Heart of Gold: Hat-less Luffy is both a sin and a blessing. Regardless, I LOVE OP BOYS IN HOODIES!! I had to show you this specific the 3D2Y because we don't see the hood and it's soooo cute cos it a paw 😍 but also 😬 cos it's like... Kuma's paw the thing that cause 3D2Y in the first place. But that's also why it's so cool at the same time and AHHHHHH 😄 Now! On to Nebulandia! I really like this movie but also in canon, how does he have that jumper? Who made it for him and can I have one? It's Usopp flag design so I guess it could be him but he doesn't seem the type. Point is I want one. Last of this set is some really cosy outfits!! "How much fur?" "Yes" am I right? Like the first one is sooooo cosy with all the fur! Plus, a funky new bamboo hat, always a good thing to have a new hat. I appreciate that you can see the zips on these too. Then the orange turtle neck one with little fluffy bits is just here cos it's so out of his usual looks, I had to at least mention it.

Strong world & Film Z: The shorts on the first one are really cute cos it's a light rosey pink with red fur and just a plain solid dark blue colour jacket works really well. Not to mention the fact he has a super cute orange and yellow flight helmet hat with goggles on under the Staw hat. The 2 bag straps also make an X which is a nice detail. The 2nd outfits in this movie are super fuckin cool ngl. It's so strange to see them all dress in black and have guns but I like the red shirt for him with the yellow highlighted parts. Makes the Straw hat actually work with the outfit instead of ignoring it. Film Z brings us the same flight helmet hat just brighter and without the goggles but also opens with this T-Shirt and Luffy being silly with it. I think that's the only reason to mention it, it's funny. Then the obligation pirate outfit, always stunning plus the meat belt.

Film: Gold & Stampede (also used in Cidre Guild): these are my top 3 Luffy outfits no matter what else I see. I love the straw cowboy hat sooooo much cos it's very Luffy. I like the balls they has as a team to choose white for all of them, considering they are all quite messy people, living for that dad shirt and I like the Golden chain around his neck but am always confused as to why it was never used against him. Like dude could and should have tried to choke him at least once, right? Anyway, the dress! Now, the dress isn't actually that good but it's my favourite because it shows how Luffy has no fucks about gendered things. On to of that, a big pink flower is wonderful and look at his confidences in it, he's so proud of it the boom, Nami told him he can't wear it! Lastly, the Stampede outfit!!! Just like the Nebulandia jumper, I have no idea who made it but it's irrelevant cos it's beautiful and I want it so badly. I like that it's white and red stripes, gives thenprefect vibes for Stampedes opening. The shirt is actually too big for him, you can see on his arms but it's actually super cute. I love the simple look of these shorts then the fact his yellow belt is replaced with white bandages and the black on the kimono sandels are now red? It's such a simple pallet and it's truly the best!

I also just wanna add, I think it's really cute when Luffy has the Straw hat on his back just cos his hair is really cute. Idk why, it's looks kinda cursed but cute at the same time

This post took 2 weeks or so to make and we made listening to the complete BNHA soundtrack, film gold OST and Sonic generations vol.1

Sanji

Zoro

Nami

CATCHING UP WITH RUSSIAN MODEL SERGEY BOYTCOV

By Rafa Carvajal

We first introduced you to Russian model Sergey Boytcov through our photo essay and interview in Wire Magazine issue 25, 2016. This week, we bring you an update about Sergey and his career with new photos by renowned photographer David Vance. Sergey was featured in David Vance's beautiful book entitled 5 Russian Boys, available online at blurb.com/b/7151988-5-russian-boys.

Rafa Carvajal: For those who missed our last interview, tell us about yourself. Sergey Boytcov: I performed in the "Men's Physique" category, and I'm now the Russian Men's Physique Champion of Moscow. I'll change it for the "Men's Fitness" champion this year. 

RC: How have you evolved as a model and person since we last spoke in 2016? SB: I visited more countries in 2017 – Spain, Italy and America. I was invited to shoot for Harper's Bazaar U.S. in 2018. My career is obviously growing. Thank you for this question! 

RC: What do you currently do for work? SB: I train, study, and develop myself as a person. I also spend time with my family and attend various activities.

RC: What do you enjoy doing for fun? SB: I have very little fun in my life. I train a lot and devote myself to work and family – the most important things for me. When I have fun, I lose myself.

RC: What inspires you most, and why? SB: Work, family and individuality. My motivations are my progress and goals. Thank you! After all, you are a part of my motivation. 

RC: What is the most important tip you would give someone who wants to get in shape? SB: The main thing is consistency. Training, regime and faith. Have faith in yourself and your goals, and everything will be great. 

RC: What do you enjoy the most about modeling for photography? SB: Looking at my photos when they turn out well, ha-ha. 

RC: What have been your favorite locations to shoot, and why? SB: Dubai, Ibiza and Italy because in these places some of my dreams came true. To make a photo like Van Damme, and to drive a Lamborghini and McLaren. I worked in the afternoon and at night. It was the heaviest shooting... yet my favorite. 

RC: What is the one place in the world you love to visit, and why? SB: America, where I discovered a new world, job, and view of life. 

RC: How is it working on a photo shoot with David Vance? SB: It was an amazing experience shooting with David Vance. We shot for seven hours without interruption. David has a great heart and I was very happy to meet him again. Each one of us have teachers in life, people who give us emotions for life. It's like the first time you have sex, I will remember it forever. We worked together two years ago. Then came the cover of Wire Magazine and a book in Florida, which I saw for the first time today. Even then, this man taught me how to work, discovered many nuances, and showed me how to do it. He showed me that such sincere, creative work has a full return.

David, thank you for being so professional in your work and paying attention to all the little things – it means a lot. Thank you for becoming a teacher, as a parent does in school, only in the modeling business. I'm happy that I spent a day working with you, and that fate brought us together again. When the Russian agents did not believe in me, for one reason or another, you believed me! And you didn't make a mistake! Thank you very much for everything! I wish you health and patience. Take care of yourself.

RC: What is your current struggle? SB: I'm trying to give up smoking hookah – I do it perfectly! 

RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers? SB: Be sincere, live here and now. Enjoy each other, love your family, friends and the whole world. Do not get angry at everything around. Be hard working, believe in your dreams, do not listen to anyone and be happy. Love and take care of your loved ones.

This was originally published in Wire Magazine Issue 05.2018

hsty!!

H - What is your favorite source text for fandom stuff (e.g., TV shows, movies, books, anime, Western animation, etc.)?

I think it is fair to say that Western comics own my ass, but I consume a great deal of television and television fic, as well. Sometimes I think back to 2012 when I wrote a lot of fic based on the Avengers film and honestly Who Was I

Writing-wise, I didn’t finish anything this past year, but I did write 15K of The Raven Cycle fic, which was more than anything else. I would not say book fandom is typical for me, though, as I have never read a book in my life.

S - Show us an example of your personal headcanon (prompts optional but encouraged)

I don’t know if you’ve watched Fantastic Four (2015), the most beautiful movie in the world, but it’s one of the only things for which I have extensive headcanons, and they are as follows:

Ben Grimm is in love with Reed Richards, has always been in love with Reed Richards, will never tell Reed Richards that he is in love with him, just listens to music sadly while thinking about how he is in love with Reed Richards. 

Reed Richards is not in love with Ben Grimm, or if if he is, he is not aware of it yet.

Before the Planet Zero incident, Ben Grimm wants to be a pilot for the military. The military part is mostly because his dad was (is?) in the military and because it’s the only way he sees out of his circumstances (he hates the salvage yard, he’s ashamed of it, he wants to get out and away), but the flight part has been a genuine fixation his whole life. When he was younger, he wanted to be an astronaut, but his brother told him he was too dumb. Ben does not think of himself as unintelligent, but he does underestimate himself, especially since his point of comparison is his super genius best friend.

Victor van Damme legally changed his surname to von Doom to match his gamer handle.

Sue used to game with Victor but she was too good at it and it got boring for her and frustrating for everybody else.

Victor and Johnny still game as of the beginning of the movie, and sometimes Victor is like, “So how’s Susan????” and Johnny’s like, “Dude,”

Ben: Gay. Reed: Straight-ish? Johnny: Could go bi or straight with him, but if he’s straight, he’ll later realize he’s bi. Sue: Aro ace lesbian. Victor: Bi.

Johnny’s instagram and Reed’s texts are just FULL of classified information.

They told Ben’s family he died in a lab accident. They didn’t tell Reed’s parents anything because he kind of fell out of contact with them after moving to the Baxter Building anyway, so they didn’t realize anything had happened for the entire year he was a fugitive.

This is just scratching the surface, honestly.

T - Do you have any hard and fast headcanons that you will die defending? 

BEN GRIMM IS A YOUNG GAY JEWISH BOY WHO IS IN LOVE WITH HIS BEST FRIEND, THESE ARE JUST FACTS, thank you and goodnight.

Y - What are your secondhand fandoms (i.e., fandoms you aren’t in personally but are tangentially familiar with because your friends/people on your dash are in them)?

I answered this here, but also I determined today that the only things I knew about SpongeBob are that he lives in a pineapple under the sea, Patrick is a starfish, and there’s a green guy with an oval head and a nose whose name is S___ward. I now know a few more things, but still not much.