A Night at the Opera

Last time we were in Paris we went to the Opera Garnier with seats bought on the Internet which proved to be on level four opposite the chandelier and with very little room to manoeuvre one's body and very uncomfortable. This time we were not going to be caught sitting up there. After much research Tony found a bourse for opera tickets - that is an exchange where people can sell their tickets in the event of inability to attend. So we bought two tickets this way. They were not together but one row apart and both proved to be aisle seats diagonally behind each other in the Orchestre - the best seats in the house, four rows from the front! The seats were in the style of one of the Louis, very ornate, covered in red velvet and diamond buttoning in the back. They were somewhat but not hugely more comfortable than those at level four. At least there was plenty of wriggle room.
The opera was Alceste by Gluck, sing in French with French surtitles. It was a three act opera in which the king Admète was terminally ill and the gods would only allow him to live if someone else took his place. Of course, Alceste his beloved wife, who could not live without him agreed to die in his place. Hercules hearing of this and being horrified of the fate that had befallen his friends interceded with the gods, and because of their love for him they restored Alceste and she and Admète lived happily ever after.
The soprano (Alceste) was superb as was the tenor Admète. There was huge emotion in their words and actions which of course we could see because we were so close to the stage. The principal singer Sophie Koch was a no show but her understudy, whose name was not written anywhere, was superb.
It was a first night but we saw no signs of black ties and only one or two evening dresses. The atmosphere in the Garnier was fabulous but, as it was built in the 17th century, there is no air conditioning so it was hot. Also they have dicky seats to fill the aisles which makes for close encounters not to mention danger in case of fire. We both enjoyed the event greatly.