Opera Is Llst On Me.

[Theland]

I have heard rave reviews about opera.
Believe me, I have tried and tried to listen to it, understand it, enjoy it, but with me it falls on deaf ears.

I simply don't get it, don't enjoy it, don't even like it.

Is it the Emperors New Clothes again? You know, kid yourself that it is good, to impress others?

It must be good for some, but it,is lost on me.

[Theland]

"Lost"

[margarettom]

I do like opera but only the popular ones, which are very tuneful, mainly Verdi, Puccini, Mozart and best of all Bizet's Carmen. Second favourite La Traviata. But, I'm not a ballet fan which is generally more popular. It isn't really the Emperor's New Clothes, because none of my friends like opera, so I go to live screenings in the cinema on my own. I do have DVD's at home too which I listen to sometimes, along with a lot of rock, pop and musicals.

[Buenchico]

You simply need some translation done for you, Theland ;-)

[Theland]

Ah that's better.
The penny is dropping now :-)

[tonyav]

Spike Milligan was good at opera imo.

[douglas9401]

It's not something I'd rush toward.

[Theland]

Now that's what I call High Culture.

[Theland]

Well of course you wouldn't Douglas.
You are not culturally refined like what I is.

[jourdain2]

A bit of both. I love the music, but the stories are often daft and just a mechanism for different voices. We are just listening to 'Die Zauberflotte' and thoroughly enjoying it (helping my listening German because I haven't got my glasses on so can't read the subtitles).

Snice I began singing reasonably seriously (about 20 years ago) I have developed a real admiration for - and appreciation of - the people who can not only sing gloriously, but chuck themselves about the stage at the same time. They also have to know it by heart. A friend used to sing for Scottish National opera, but had to give up after he once 'dried' on stage. Kept on singing, but only in a form where he could have his music handy.

So what I'm saying is that it left me fairly cold for many years, but I know and appreciate how highly skilled it is.

[Old_Geezer]

Now't wrong with a good opera. One can appreciate the good voices, and follow the story in the programme. That said I don't find them all equally enjoyable. I prefer singing to be in English.

[JimF]

[jourdain2]

JimF That is a gorgeous aria - I decided a while ago that I would like it at my funeral. People will either hoot with laughter or maybe get a bit damp behind the eyes - but 'Remember me' is so powerful.

[woofgang]

I feel the same about ballet.

[shoota]

Opera is a curate's egg, good in parts - as long as it is not modern.

[sanmac]

Now this here be my kinda opery:

[shoota]

[margarettom]

Agree with you 100% shoota at 23.27

[sanmac]

No, no, no, margarettom. In order to comply with the curate's egg reference you should only agree with shoota perhaps 50 or 60%.

[ladybirder]

I absolutely love it. Glyndebourne, Covent Garden, ENO, bring it on. Loved it since I was brought up with it as a child, then lost it a bit during my heavy rock years. But moving to London and having access to the ROH and ENO was just wonderful. Next is Madame Butteryfly at the ENO in the Spring when I'm taking someone who has never been before but always wanted to go. Butterfly is a good first opera for a beginner. I'll be amazed, and disappointed, if she doesn't enjoy it.

[ladybirder]

Shoota, thanks Bjorling is wonderful. x