As I mentioned in my last post, after exploring the hidden gem of Santa Maria presso San Satiro, today I'm excited to take you to another iconic site in Milan: the Teatro alla Scala.
During my visit to Teatro alla Scala in Milan, I had the opportunity to immerse myself in its rich history and recent innovations. The theater's facade, designed by Giuseppe Piermarini and inaugurated in 1778, represents one of the most iconic entrances in the opera world. This historic theater has hosted legendary figures such as Enrico Caruso, Arturo Toscanini, Renata Tebaldi, Maria Callas, and many others. It has also witnessed the world premieres of operas by renowned composers like Rossini, Donizetti, Verdi, and Puccini, solidifying its reputation as one of the most important venues in operatic history.
Inside, the grand foyer reflects the theater's elegance and historical significance. During my tour, I observed the floor polishing process, an activity that demonstrates the ongoing care and maintenance required to preserve the timeless beauty of this place. The imposing columns and magnificent chandeliers in the foyer prepare guests for the grand cultural experience awaiting them inside.
The Royal Box, richly adorned with golden ornaments and red velvet, symbolizes elegance and grandeur. Once reserved for royalty and distinguished guests, it remains the focal point of the auditorium, offering a privileged view of the stage to enjoy the performances to the fullest. Its timeless beauty and sophistication add a touch of royalty and prestige to every show.
Continuing my tour, I was captivated by the expansive auditorium and its design, optimized for acoustics. Recently renovated, the auditorium features improvements such as replacing the velvet for better sound quality, and the pulleys used to lower stage elements have been fitted with hemp ropes instead of iron chains to avoid noise. These measures ensure that sets are moved with maximum silence and precision, keeping the audience's attention on the performances
At the end of my visit, I had the chance to explore the recently expanded backstage, which serves as the centerpiece of the theater's latest upgrades. With the introduction of an advanced system of three rotating stages, the theater can now perform scene changes with remarkable speed and accuracy, optimizing the flow of performances. This enhancement enables Teatro alla Scala to host a wide variety of productions without compromising artistic excellence or the dynamism of performances, keeping it at the forefront of international cultural innovation.
The rotating stage mechanism, visible in the first two images, allows for efficient alternation of sets: the main stage lowers at the end of a scene while the other two, positioned on the sides and at the back, are ready to take their place. This process ensures seamless transitions between scenes, maintaining a steady rhythm throughout the performances.
This image source image reveals the vast backstage area, designed to accommodate three different sets simultaneously. This configuration allows for quick preparation and optimal management of the scenes, with scene changes completed in about 15 minutes, showcasing the efficiency and modernity of the theater's facilities.
TIP: In the 18th and 19th centuries, the private boxes at Teatro alla Scala were sold to noble Milanese families who treated them as their personal spaces, decorating them lavishly and using them to host dinners and business meetings during performances. Some boxes were even equipped with fireplaces, contributing to a lively and sometimes chaotic atmosphere. The theaters of that era, often built of wood and illuminated by candles, were highly susceptible to fires, a frequent occurrence that affected the predecessors of La Scala, such as the Salone Margherita and the Regio Teatro Ducale.
Following these disasters, the prominent noble families, known as "palchettisti," advocated for a new, safer theater. This led to the construction of Teatro alla Scala in 1778, built in masonry on the site of the old Church of Santa Maria alla Scala, providing Milan with a "great city theater" that was not only for the nobility and the court but also open to the general public. The arrival of Arturo Toscanini brought further changes: he implemented new rules to eliminate distractions during performances, turning La Scala into a place of strict artistic focus and enhancing the audience's experience, elevating the theater to new levels of excellence and prestige.
Source:
Teatro alla Scala - Official Website
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Focus
Whiskied Wanderlust
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The photos were taken with my iPhone 6 and edited with Lightroom.
Thanks for reading @ibesso
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"🌟 Fabulous post, @ibesso! I'm loving this virtual tour of Teatro alla Scala! The backstage area looks like a miracle of efficiency 😮, and that new tower addition is sleek and modern 🔥. Did you know that the private boxes back in the day were more like personal VIP suites? 🤯 Mind blown! What's your favorite aspect of La Scala? Have you ever attended a performance there? Let's chat about it!"
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I don't like that the modern part it is ugly and spoils the uniqueness of the building. I will never understand why modern architecture is throughout entire Europe the same. It takes the identity away.
If it comes to the floors they look great and I am happy I don't have to polish them at least they have a machine for it. Imagine you have to crawl over the floor to polish it with your hand.
I don't think I like sitting in this theatre, those 3 photos together are too much. My brain can't deal with what I see. Perhaps I can if it's very dark and I wear my sunglasses. It's too much red and gold and the lamp, all those screaming items. I wonder how those who built it felt. Am I too sensitive for the overdose of .. "artistic" decoration? It is as it is.
Thanks for the tour, dear guide.
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Hello traveler! 👋🏼
Thanks for sharing your post in the TS Community. Here you are the feedback and evaluation results:
MODs/Admins' Observation:
Only copyright-free photos can be shared in posts. Do you have the rights to the first one taken by focus?Your visit reminds us how precious the art of preserving these spaces is, where every restoration and every care only amplifies the magic of the theater. Thank you for sharing this unique moment, taking us with you among the golden columns and red velvets of this temple of music.
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Curated by @hotspotitaly
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For safety, I have replaced the photo. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. I'm glad you enjoyed the Teatro alla Scala!
👋🌈
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🎭 "I'm thrilled to share my passion for Teatro alla Scala with you all! 😊 As I wandered through its vast backstage area, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the theater's commitment to innovation and tradition. 🌟 The way it seamlessly blends modern architecture with historic charm is truly inspiring. 💡
Have you ever had the chance to visit Teatro alla Scala? What did you think of this iconic theater? Share your own experiences and photos! 👇 I'd love to hear about your adventures in Milan and beyond! 🌍
Don't forget to check out the amazing facts about La Scala that I shared, from its grand history to its modern architectural touches. 📚 You might just learn something new! 🤓
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