Cendrillon by Jules Massenet Gratuitous Sex and Violence: Nothing New

Doesn't it seem like every time we pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV, we find somebody ranting about the entertainment business? About how CDs, movies and video games subject our children to all manner of gratuitous violence and sex, and how that undoubtedly causes behavioral problems that sometimes turn tragic? Weren't kids better behaved before there were confronted with music like Marilyn Manson, and cinematic nightmares on Elm Street? Think back to the old days, when teenagers were obedient, came home early, and read their little brothers and sisters fairy tales at bedtime. What have we done wrong? How could we have allowed all this modern, pop culture depravity to replace those wondrous, innocent fairy tales?

Well, maybe the more alarming elements of today's pop culture actually don't replace fairy tales, but actually imitate them. If you examine the original versions of classic “fairy stories," you’ll find that many of them are more disturbing than just about any slasher movie. That’s what we’ll be doing on At the Opera, as we gird ourselves for an opera based on one of the most famous - and carefully sanitized -- of all fairy tales.

The piece in question is "Cendrillon," Jules Massenet’s version of Cinderella. Commentator Will Berger discusses the secret world of fairy tales in opera. And, folklorist Maria Tatar tells all about the rather violent, original version of "Cinderella" -- spurting blood and all. So join us, At the Opera, with NPR's Lou Santacroce. You might want to send the kids out of the room for this one.

Hear Lou's conversation with Maria Tarter about rather violent fairy tales. (Requires the free RealPlayer 5.0 or higher. You can also listen with a 14.4 connection.)

Music featured this week on At the Opera: