Kristján Jóhannsson performed without a break for 12 hours in New York

Kristján Jóhannsson Icelandic tenor performed repeatedly without a break for 12 hours at the Abrons Art Center at 466 Grand St. on the Lower Side in New York Saturday November 19 2011.

 

When artist Ragnar Kjartansson presented a 12 hour long performance, entitled Bliss, that repeated the delirious final aria of Mozart´s 1786 opera The Marriage of Figaro.  In the final act of this opera, the Count asks the Countess´forgiveness for his arrogant blunders, which she grants, inspiring the entire court to celebrate. Kjartansson´s performance replicated the lavishness of traditional opera with a full orchestra, elaborate scenery, and period costumes, and members of Mr. Jóhannssons master class, continuously replaying the two-minute musical, visual, and narrative pinnacle of the opera.