“p.s. I can do without opera, while we’re at it.”
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It’s not for everyone, I agree, but come on, man.. Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo (ha, Sesame St had a Placido Flamingo), Maria Callas?? Operas are dramas, I get it.. but take a minute to listen to Anna Netrebko. Such a clean soprano and the best diction. And she’s beautiful.
Sorry for the long, wide screen link.
People who say that they hate Opera... really don’t.
Sure, it’s true that most people get their ideas about Opera from Bugs Bunny Looney Tunes cartoons from the 1940’s and early ‘50s... But.. come on!~ I’ve spoken with many friends, who think all Opera is made up of Teutonic Wagnerian Fat Ladies who scream with high pitched voices in other languages.. If ALL of Opera were like that.. NO ONE would listen at all. BUT Opera isn’t like that at all. ~!
Agreed.. Anna Netrebko is a marvelous soprano... who has appeared in many different Operatic presentations.. she’s a terrific vocalist.. as well as actor...
Here she is, singing a duet with the most amazing Mezzo-Soprano, (Alto Soprano) Elina Garanca... performing the “Barcarolle”, from Offenbach’s “TALES OF HOFFMAN”.. This is a GORGEOUS performance... https://youtu.be/0u0M4CMq7uI
I betcha recognized the music.. right? It’s a very famous piece.. Here’s another one... Elina Garanca as CARMEN, from George’s Bizet’s CARMEN...(I’m sure everyone has heard this melody - “THE HABANARA”.) https://youtu.be/8GD63RuQduc
My favorite opera is George and Ira Gershwin’s “PORGY and BESS”...it’s in English, but the melodies! Simply wonderful~ It’s an American opera, the BEST Opera that an American has ever composed.... here’s “Bess, you is my woman, now”.. https://youtu.be/apiq3VN2Ra8
I’ve seen “PORGY” 7 times live in the theater over the past 45 years...it is the finest music you will hear in any Opera...
Opera does not have to be filled with fat ladies screaming at the top of their lungs.... Opera can be brilliantly presented, with gorgeous melodies, and terrific stories.. it doesn’t have to be boring at all!~
Check out Gershwin’s “PORGY and BESS”... the complete production is on youtube.. https://youtu.be/HdRTfqGy9TE (I posted it maybe 6-7 years ago from an old videotape..but it’s the best LIVE theatrical production I have.)
Enjoy!~ :>)