Opera fans?

[oggbashan]

Am I the only one who hates and gets bored by sitting in a chair for 2 hours & watching Opera ?
Ballet - an entirely different story.
(not intended as trolling)

Opera, some opera, requires understanding of the nuances of the performance. If you don't know what you are watching, and whether it is a good production, it can be boring.

There are operas that are easier to watch - some of Mozart, Rossini, or Donizetti. There are others that are difficult and endurance tests - Wagner, Berlioz, Britten and early opera.

But the same is true of ballet. There are easy ones - The Nutcracker, La Fille Mal Gardée and Swan Lake, and more difficult ones such as Rhapsody (which has NO plot and is just very technical and demanding scenes).

The plots of Opera are often ridiculous or flawed. The plots of ballet are usually very simple. But both are not significant to the whole production. The plot should make sense. The plot of Borodin's opera Prince Igor, not completed when he died, usually doesn't. The recent Metropolitan Opera revival drastically rearranged it to at least have SOME logic.

It is often said that Opera and Ballet are difficult. They're not if you gradually develop an understanding of the conventions but starting with a difficult one could easily put you off for life.

The movie transmissions are a good introduction because the presentation includes explanations and interviews with the principal people involved. Even if you know nothing about the work before you go, you should know something about it before the perforamance starts.

 

[SlightlyGone]

Opera, some opera, requires understanding of the nuances of the performance. If you don't know what you are watching, and whether it is a good production, it can be boring.

There are operas that are easier to watch - some of Mozart, Rossini, or Donizetti. There are others that are difficult and endurance tests - Wagner, Berlioz, Britten and early opera.

But the same is true of ballet. There are easy ones - The Nutcracker, La Fille Mal Gardée and Swan Lake, and more difficult ones such as Rhapsody (which has NO plot and is just very technical and demanding scenes).

The plots of Opera are often ridiculous or flawed. The plots of ballet are usually very simple. But both are not significant to the whole production. The plot should make sense. The plot of Borodin's opera Prince Igor, not completed when he died, usually doesn't. The recent Metropolitan Opera revival drastically rearranged it to at least have SOME logic.

It is often said that Opera and Ballet are difficult. They're not if you gradually develop an understanding of the conventions but starting with a difficult one could easily put you off for life.

The movie transmissions are a good introduction because the presentation includes explanations and interviews with the principal people involved. Even if you know nothing about the work before you go, you should know something about it before the perforamance starts.

And here I thought opera was just about music ... what would you recommend for the casual observer?

I've listened to Cats over and over again while going to sleep, but I'm guessing there is a difference from listening and watching while hearing the performers.

SKimbleshanks, the railway cat, the cat of the railway train, there's a whisper down the line at a 11:39 ... shit, I can't type that fast.

 

[Aella_]

Opera, some opera, requires understanding of the nuances of the performance. If you don't know what you are watching, and whether it is a good production, it can be boring.

There are operas that are easier to watch - some of Mozart, Rossini, or Donizetti. There are others that are difficult and endurance tests - Wagner, Berlioz, Britten and early opera.

But the same is true of ballet. There are easy ones - The Nutcracker, La Fille Mal Gardée and Swan Lake, and more difficult ones such as Rhapsody (which has NO plot and is just very technical and demanding scenes).

The plots of Opera are often ridiculous or flawed. The plots of ballet are usually very simple. But both are not significant to the whole production. The plot should make sense. The plot of Borodin's opera Prince Igor, not completed when he died, usually doesn't. The recent Metropolitan Opera revival drastically rearranged it to at least have SOME logic.

It is often said that Opera and Ballet are difficult. They're not if you gradually develop an understanding of the conventions but starting with a difficult one could easily put you off for life.

The movie transmissions are a good introduction because the presentation includes explanations and interviews with the principal people involved. Even if you know nothing about the work before you go, you should know something about it before the perforamance starts.

True.
1.And when it comes to ballet or figure skating, and some other arts, russians have It. The talent, the spirit.
2.What do you mean by "movie transmissions"? Would you mind giving me a link? Thx.

 

[oggbashan]

And here I thought opera was just about music ... what would you recommend for the casual observer?

I've listened to Cats over and over again while going to sleep, but I'm guessing there is a difference from listening and watching while hearing the performers.

SKimbleshanks, the railway cat, the cat of the railway train, there's a whisper down the line at a 11:39 ... shit, I can't type that fast.

1. Look at the Wikepedia articles on the particular opera and composer.

2. Watch extracts on YouTube preferably from different productions of the same opera.

3. Read Wikipedia and watch YouTube compilations about 'Lyric Soprano'; 'Contralto'; 'Tenor' etc.

4. Opera is drama WITH music. A few decades ago, in my lifetime, opera productions tended to forget the acting and drama. Singers would come to the front of the stage and deliver their aria (song) straight at the audience, even if they were supposed to be singing a love song to their partner. Until recently opera singers did NOT use microphones. They filled the auditorium with the sound of their powerful voices. That is why Wagnerian sopranos tended to be hefty wenches. They had to have big and strong lungs to produce the song above the sound of the orchestra. Now microphones allow more subtlety of tone and more realistic love duets instead of bawling in each other's ears at high volume.

5. And most important - if as the result of the research in 1,2 and 3 above you don't like that particular opera - try another. The lighter operas are easier to enjoy e.g. Mozart's Marriage of Figaro; Donizetti's L'Elizir D'Amore. If you have done your research it won't matter that they are singing in a foreign language because you will know what they are singing about. In cinemas they will have subtitles anyway.

6. If after all that, you don't like opera? Accept it. You don't have to. It doesn't mean that you are an uncultured hick, just that you don't like that particular form of culture. If someone tells you that you MUST like opera, say that you have tried it, but didn't like it. Liking opera is not compulsory.

 

[SlightlyGone]

Pyotr, giacomo ... some wolfgang, ennio, jean sibelious, aram auguste christoph, such an elogant name

 

[Aella_]

Dude, you must be on crack. If you want a more receptive audience for that sort of thing, I recommend the Blurt Thread.

 

[SlightlyGone]

Dude, you must be on crack. If you want a more receptive audience for that sort of thing, I recommend the Blurt Thread.

who is on crack?

you're a no dick talker, say what you want, but never commit, you're a child, a fucked up teen, lost. Happy to be lost.

 

[4est_4est_Gump]

She is from Holland where the sort of thing is common. I can't speak outside English and have to read the subtitles to everything! We used to go all the time a few years ago; she is just calling me again. It's less work than making reservations at a play.

We saw the Chinese Opera in Beijing.

The subtitles need subtitles!

I cracked up...

 

[4est_4est_Gump]

Dude, you must be on crack. If you want a more receptive audience for that sort of thing, I recommend the Blurt Thread.

Not that kind of cracked-up...

 

[Octavian]

1. Look at the Wikepedia articles on the particular opera and composer.

2. Watch extracts on YouTube preferably from different productions of the same opera.

3. Read Wikipedia and watch YouTube compilations about 'Lyric Soprano'; 'Contralto'; 'Tenor' etc.

4. Opera is drama WITH music. A few decades ago, in my lifetime, opera productions tended to forget the acting and drama. Singers would come to the front of the stage and deliver their aria (song) straight at the audience, even if they were supposed to be singing a love song to their partner. Until recently opera singers did NOT use microphones. They filled the auditorium with the sound of their powerful voices. That is why Wagnerian sopranos tended to be hefty wenches. They had to have big and strong lungs to produce the song above the sound of the orchestra. Now microphones allow more subtlety of tone and more realistic love duets instead of bawling in each other's ears at high volume.

5. And most important - if as the result of the research in 1,2 and 3 above you don't like that particular opera - try another. The lighter operas are easier to enjoy e.g. Mozart's Marriage of Figaro; Donizetti's L'Elizir D'Amore. If you have done your research it won't matter that they are singing in a foreign language because you will know what they are singing about. In cinemas they will have subtitles anyway.

6. If after all that, you don't like opera? Accept it. You don't have to. It doesn't mean that you are an uncultured hick, just that you don't like that particular form of culture. If someone tells you that you MUST like opera, say that you have tried it, but didn't like it. Liking opera is not compulsory.

oggbashan makes some good recommendations. I would certainly add Rossini's La Cenerentola (Cinderella) or the Barber of Seville. But beware, the more you get to know about opera the more you want to know. Many moons ago I loved classical music but could not understand why anyone could find opera attractive. Now some 100 plus complete operas later I could not imagine life without it.

 

[oggbashan]

oggbashan makes some good recommendations. I would certainly add Rossini's La Cenerentola (Cinderella) or the Barber of Seville. But beware, the more you get to know about opera the more you want to know. Many moons ago I loved classical music but could not understand why anyone could find opera attractive. Now some 100 plus complete operas later I could not imagine life without it.

The climax of the Metropolitan Opera's production of Rossini's La Cenerentola (Cecila Bartoli)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVZNx39xYiA

It is technically very difficult to sing. Cecilia does it, but over-emphasizes the problems. Joyce DiDonato sings it with less histrionics (but doesn't rush up to the top of the cake so fast!)

 

[Octavian]

This (from the end of Act 1 of La Cenerentola) is a wonderful spectacle and with great music too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJjsWplxqt8

 

[Octavian]

Another excerpt from the same production.

Whilst based on the fairy tale Cinderella a few words of explanation.

The man entering the room is the valet Dandini and the real prince is acting as his valet. The two (ugly) sisters are vying for the attention of the man they believe to be the prince. The imposter is deliberately overegging it. A truly wonderful scene.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3-miucC_28&list=RDH3-miucC_28&index=1

 

[trysail]

Long before there was Hollywood...,

there was opera.​

​

 

[MaryanneB]

Am I the only one who hates and gets bored by sitting in a chair for 2 hours & watching Opera ?
Ballet - an entirely different story.
(not intended as trolling)

I'm an opera fan but also love ballet. Myhusband never wanted to go to a ballet so I rented A Turning Point and that football player went crazy. He said it was fantastic....except for the tights....

 

[JanneE]

Oh my God it was a nightmare. We got there late and this lady in back of us was hacking through the whole thing. Then I couldn't get my phone to turn off, so of course they're staring a me like I'm purposely ruining the show?

If I had my contacts in, gave a micro-fuck, or the cackling asshole sitting in front of us shared his $10 popcorn I might not have been falling asleep. Oprah.

 

[Vagina_Dentata]

Oh my God it was a nightmare. We got there late and this lady in back of us was hacking through the whole thing. Then I couldn't get my phone to turn off, so of course they're staring a me like I'm purposely ruining the show?

If I had my contacts in, gave a micro-fuck, or the cackling asshole sitting in front of us shared his $10 popcorn I might not have been falling asleep. Oprah.

Hobnobbing with the goobersmoochers always comes with a price.

 

[JanneE]

I wish I knew what you meant. She wants to go to the next one too.

 

[NOIRTRASH]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=97wutMuDfXU

A sample of Francis Poulencs choral music. His opera, DIALOGUES OF THYE CARMELITES is my favorite

A Christmas hymn by Poulenc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VShyqHcWjPY

DIALOG OF THE CARMELITES the end
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkOK3aXzMpc

The movie version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYq614xqnlI

 

[Aella_]

I'm an opera fan but also love ballet. Myhusband never wanted to go to a ballet so I rented A Turning Point and that football player went crazy. He said it was fantastic....except for the tights....

Haha… That made me smile and I also remembered:
I think that my distaste for opera stems from my childhood. Our parents used to "kick us" out of the house and demand that we go to the Opera. We used to go skating instead, but then they would either quizz us or show up there randomly.

I'm a huge fan of ballet too - but mainly anything that's Bolshoi or russian. Same goes for figure skating. Russians are so talented…

 

[oggbashan]

Oh my God it was a nightmare. We got there late and this lady in back of us was hacking through the whole thing. Then I couldn't get my phone to turn off, so of course they're staring a me like I'm purposely ruining the show?

If I had my contacts in, gave a micro-fuck, or the cackling asshole sitting in front of us shared his $10 popcorn I might not have been falling asleep. Oprah.

Just be grateful that you didn't spend a thousand dollars for seats in a real opera house and have had the same experience.

Try watching that opera on YouTube at home. You can be as quiet as you like, eat popcorn, pause the opera to answer your phone, and be comfortable.

 

[JanneE]

Oh great. Some hack got thrown in at the last minute to play the lead role. Wax your chest and open your mouth! How hard is that? Don't get sick!