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!~ :>)
thx for posting...
Thank you, BC! Good stuff. In our house all forms of elevating music is allowed.
Music slide...at one time hubby, oldest son, and younger sons were all in different bands. Hubby in an orchestra playing trumpet. Older son in rock band. Younger son in a jazz band.
I would walk down the hallway and hear everyone practicing this cacophony of sounds. It was funny.
I like Porgy and Bess! But I like most music really. Broadway musicals. Les Miserables is probably my favorite of that genre.
I’m on my tablet and haven’t figured out how to minimize and link, so I can’t remember her name but it’s the witch song ?? From Mozart’ s Magic flute. She’s incredible.
Well that old corny joke cones to mind. Bach later. Offenbach sooner lol.
Agree to disagree.
On the other hand, I love, love, love Les Miserable.
Find the difference between that and opera, and discover my distaste for opera.
most people get their ideas about Opera from Bugs Bunny Looney Tunes cartoons from the 1940’s and early ‘50s
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and thank goodness they were exposed to even that!
well read, well-rounded and well-grounded people should be aware of many of the true marvels of the past. If they were presented with many snippets from operas, they might very well know the medley and admit they enjoyed it.
Trump played such eclectic choices at his rallies that people grew to recognize and admire many forms.
Another reason to love the genius POTUS.
Nothing worse than the sound of the "trained" human voice. (except the muzzard call to prayer)
Irish tenors suck too.