Opera?

Please to be explaining. I consider myself a high culture type of person, but how exactly do you grow to appreciate this particular artform? It's just a touch beyond my current grasp.

I'd recommend watching a live performance first - you'll know from seeing a live show whether or not it's "for you" - Italian operas are typically the most loved - if you can't catch a live show, there's plenty on tape. Once you've decided whether or not you can get into it - start researching some of the more famous titles by story - I know this sounds backwards, but it's hard to get into, especially when you don't understand the language. Once you find a few story lines that sound interesting, listen to the different versions of them - the more you like the story, the better you'll get into the music. After listening to a few versions, you'll find some songs you really love, and then some artists who convey the emotion the best in their voice.

I always recommend Franco Corelli (old school) and Andrea Bocelli (newer), and my fave Opera is La Boheme. You could also try researching composers - but I've found it to be difficult - I like to work from the story - once I know the story line, I can sort of hear it being told via the music.

It's most definitely a live kind of thing. Go see one.

I love Opera. Maybe you haven't been exposed to a particular opera you like just yet. I mean we're talking hundreds of years of music here.

I also encourage you to see one live. Preferably an Italian comedy. They're light and full of coloratura. Probably better to begin with this than to jump into something like Tristan und Isolde.

u are very cool.
opra roks!!!!

OK, personally, I have seen it live. What I liked most was big breasted women wearing corsets and flowy gowns. But I dislike musicals, so here's a music in another language, with (usually) smaller seats than the broadway theatres...Im not gonna be happy.

however, I know some folks fall madly in love with the stories, etc...

Y~!

ps - I also just did a focus group based on several ads for opera - they wanted to know what would get me into the theatre, etc...I think when I said 'more women in corsets with big boobs' they assumed I was kidding.

the appreciation of this high art form primarily requires a commitment

to continue to expose yourself to it

there are so many subtlties involved in this style of singing

it's impossible to fully appreciate without an extended investment of time

i think the best way to learn is simply to study the libretto as you listen to an opera for the first few times

then as you become familiar with dramatic elements of the story

listen without the libretto to appreciate the music more fully

verdi's "la traviata" is a good place to begin

musically and dramatically it's one of the most accessible

also mozart's "marriage of figaro" is an opera in a very high style yet in many ways very accessible to beginners

appreciation of one of western civilization's greatest cultural treasures is something not to be missed in your brief life span

Get a greatest opera hits collection. Most of the time, the songs are really catchy, and there isn't all that downtime between arias. Even though I'm studying opera, I still get a little bored during performances. Either that, or get a cd of Carmen, which is arguably the most audience-friendly opera.

My favorite is Maria Callas singing La Momma Morta. Just give act III a try, it's incredibly powerful. You might recognize it, it was used in the movie Philadelphia.

Damn thing makes me cry.

i admit, I couldn't go to the opera every weekend...but once or twice a year is great

One thing I've always hated about opera is that it gets treated as this lofty, inaccessible thing. A lot of people don't realize that there are good, modern operas being written, often in English. Certain operas can be legitimately performed in English as well. Also, I applaud the introduction of supertitles to opera.

Remember, opera used to be popular entertainment. As someone who studies classical voice, I can tell you it takes a huge degree of skill to perform, and when done well the singing can be soul-rending. But there's no reason to treat the performance as something codified and sacred. Opera can and should be fun!

That said, I reccomend Solome. It's one act, some great dancing and even humor, and you get to see Solome make out with the severed head of John the Baptist. Word.

I saw the thread title and I was just going to come in here and say you should switch to firefox. I guess not though.

That's funny 'cause in the Opera thread about the browser all we music geeks were crowding in there going "oh, the BROWSER."

damn and i had my scathing "repent and get firefox" sarcasm all ready.

watch the movie diva.

(the trailer comes on after the sudafed ad! )


[Edited on May 06, 2005 by in_a_blue_state]

Ive never been to a real Opera, but I have two Charlotte Church cd's that I love so much. It's just beautiful.

Oh I have seen Phantom of the Opera in TOronto if that counts.

i haven't seen one yet, but it's in my five year plan.

Then there are those of us in real theatre who know it's complete bullshit.

I LOVE german opera. But it may not be for the beginner. I'm in awe of the set of pipes a woman must have to belt out some of that Wagner.