And then came what should have been the final uplift. The choir, so rich in sopranos, were disconnected from the music like a light switch. And so passed the 9th symphony, the splendour of an entire musical civilisation, to a squib. For sweet friends of this opera house, bless this lovely house and hope Beethoven wasn't listening. It looks as though it cost millions.
Follies means big.
It looks better. This was old in Cecil B. de Mille days. It's older now, but still works on an audience. You're having a great time, friend, look at what we're spending on you. It's an audience put-down that lasts through the show.