May 15, 2006
No longer an Opera Virgin
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Had my first taste of Opera at the weekend. The Melbourne Opera Co did a regional performance at the Plenty Ranges Theatre and my sister Elaine passed the flyer on to me.
I enjoy the ballet and am a subscriber to the Australian Ballet Co programme, and I have often wondered how I would feel about Opera. I’ve never been interested in listening to recordings of opera (see previous post) and, to be honest, I’m not a big fan of the soprano voice. But this presented a great opportunity to ‘give it a go’ in a terrific little theatre where there’s no such thing as a bad seat.
So Allan and I (both opera virgins) went along on Saturday to see Don Giovanni by Mozart performed by the Melbourne Opera Company.
This is basically the story of a total sleazebag who has the ambition to sleep with every female on the planet (ie Europe) and record his conquests in a book. And he’s a fair way to achieving his goal when the story starts. It’s a bit of a black comedy which ends with Don Giovanni arrogantly taking on Death and coming off second best. There were little or no props and scenery and the ‘chorus’ was a little ragged, but overall performance was very strong.
And it was a great performance which both of us really enjoyed! The whole singing of the lines thing didn’t seem weird and the cast was strong and really brought out the characters. And even the sopranos worked for me.
However the performance was in English, rather than in Italian as I was expecting. So I don’t know how much my enjoyment was based on my ability to understand the language. So I’m not sure if I’m a true opera convert yet.
I’m booked to see Puccini’s Turandot at the State Theatre in December. That will be a full over-the-top production sung in Italian which will be the real test. Bring it on!
So I’m no longer an Opera Virgin…but not yet an Opera Lover.
Other related posts:
Madam Butterfly
Turandot…or, ‘Mastermind Chinese Style’
The Ballet - Don Quixote
Stumble it!
10 Responses to “No longer an Opera Virgin”
Good for you! I really dont care much for opera, mainly because I dont understand what they’re saying. I’m sure that helped in your case! Be sure and let us know how the next one is!!
By Biffylady on May 16, 2006
I’m glad to hear you’re giving opera a fair shot. You know it actually started out as street theatre, so despite its current state, it has humble roots, and the ones I like best reflect that. I’m partial to the comic ones–you must try to see at least one of those. The Marriage of Figaro had me rolling in the aisle. It struck me as basically Italian slaptstick comedy with singing.
By Judyy on May 16, 2006
Very cool! I give you lots of credit for going with such an open mind.
By Chris/faerywings on May 16, 2006
I applaud you, too! I’m an opera virgin even though I love all other forms of theatre, music, and dance. For some reason I can’t make myself go. Let us know how you like the other one!
By Meg on May 16, 2006
I’m glad you had fun at the opera. I have never been to the opera so I enjoyed your post.
By loony on May 16, 2006
I’ve never been drawn to opera but you made me think about it sometime - as long as it’s in English! Not sure the husband would go - he’s more a rock fan :o)
By Jane on May 16, 2006
You cannot go wrong with Puccini!!!! You will love it after that- I hope!!!
By Artcmom(Trish) on May 18, 2006