Baritone

For many years Herbert had been called a star of the Opera. After several weeks of fighting a high fever and suffering from a throat inflammation, he found out he lost his powerful ability to bring forth successful performances because his baritone voice wasn’t pleasingly clear and vivid anymore. Herbert was respected for his talents and devotion, strong enthusiasm, and commitment to arts. CDs with his recordings are still widely praised and sold in great numbers. His personal tragedy evoked feelings of sorrow and compassion from his colleagues. Opera director Gerlost showed sympathy for Herbert's suffering by finding him a new position, this time related to the administration of the Opera. From now on, Herbert works in an office adjoining the green room of the ballet section of the Opera. He feels displaced while he undergoes such a change of status that transfers him from intense activity to a place where he is quite unknown. He complains to his wife, Aida, an Egyptian who plays harp, that he feels annoyed by incessant sounds coming from the room upstairs, where every year the rehearsals for the Nutcracker are being done early in advance in order to be ready for the Holiday season. Aida slips an iPod for him under the tree. Now Herbert can listen to his favorite arias while working on his new tasks. He is always seen with white cables hanging from his ears.