Given the choice, many people would probably opt for a root canal rather than go to an opera. They imagine being seated in the middle of a row for hours on end while huge women parade around the stage dressed in Wagerian battle dress singing their lungs out in some exaggerated vibrato style. And years ago that may have been the case. But times they are a changin'.
At the turn of the century and in the immediately ensuing decades Richard Wagner (RICKard VAUGner), for example, was wildly popular for his Germanic operas featuring angelic warrior heroines descending from heaven to retrieve fallen soldiers. And while the orchestral melodies were some of the most beautiful and powerful ever written, the singing seemed somewhat discordant. And for decades this was the “face” of opera to the masses. Not only that but operas were always sung in a foreign language so the average English-speaking person had no idea what was going on. It is no wonder that opera appealed to a comparatively few well heeled snobs. But since the 1960s there have some slow, user-friendly changes that have started to attract a larger following. Not that opera’s popularity will ever rival that of hip-hop.
Star Power
Luciano Pavarotti is one reason why opera is a little more mainstream. Not only was he blessed with one of the best tenor voices ever but his appearances in concerts outside the confines of the operatic stage drew wide interest. People who didn’t know a Donizetti from a Rossini flocked to his sold-out concerts to hear his powerful voice soar like an eagle. Then a 1990 PBS special, “The Three Tenors,” which featured Pavarotti and two other highly regarded tenors, propelled this musical interest to new heights and the resulting CDs and videos became million sellers. Once again people experienced this beautiful music outside the regular operatic stage.
Subtitles & Versace
Today it is not unusual for whole families to attend an opera although it should be mentioned that the children in tow are usually already studying some type of classical music or dance. Another “mainstream” change is having the actual operatic story told with English subtitles displayed above the stage.
Also, some operas today have a modern setting. In fact one such performance of a 19th century opera at the Music Center in Los Angeles had all the men dressed in Versace suits and the women in cocktail dresses. Speaking of the performers – some will ask are they still all fat? To be truthful, many still are rather heavy set. It seems the timbre of their powerful voices seems somehow to be a factor of the person’s size. And truth be known they love fine Italian food. So, when watching a performance for example of what is supposed to be two lithe young star-crossed lovers you have to watch the scene with a little imagination. However, some younger operatic performers are actually in shape. I doubt however, that we’ll ever see a “South Beach Diet for Opera Stars.”
Ready, Set, Go!
Now let’s say you’ve finally succumbed to curiosity and want to see an opera. Admittedly opera can be considered an acquired taste so maybe you’ll want to start with something “easy.” Arguably the operatic composers Puccini (pooCHEENEE), Verdi (VEHRdee), and Offenbach (OFFENbach) wrote some of the most melodic scores in history. You wouldn’t go wrong seeing “La Boheme,” “Madama Butterfly,” or “The Tales of Hoffman.” They are fairly easy to follow and have some incredibly beautiful passages. Keep in mind that most opera is an exaggeration in action and in voice. You will definitely notice this on stage so you need to keep this in mind. And, almost all operas end tragically. So ladies, bring your Kleenex.
Reading Up & Dressing Up
Before you venture out you might want to pull up the opera online and read about it. That way you’ll have a mental head start when you get to the theater. If you’re really adventurous you can buy the opera’s “libretto” which has the word-for-word musical score. Real aficionados are often seen using a penlight to follow the libretto as the opera is being performed.
Speaking of today’s theater (referred to as the Opera House in Europe), it wasn’t too long ago that everyone dressed for the occasion. Men respectfully wore suits and women wore long, flowing and very ostentatious gowns. You will still see many decked out that way because people like an excuse to dress up. And since most operas are performed in the evening it makes for an elegant night out. However, you will be equally welcome in more regular attire although shorts, t-shirts, flip flops, etc. would be discouraged.
Another strong suggestion is to be on time. Although the opera itself usually starts fashionably late it is customary for the audience to be in their seats. If you are late, many theaters will not seat you until well into the performance when a logical break appears.
Big Spenders
Operas tend to be expensive so plan accordingly. If you find the only seats you can afford are in a high balcony or well back in the orchestra section, take a pair of opera glasses or small binoculars. As for the sound, most concert halls today are well designed and no matter where you sit you’ll hear everything. By the way, one thing you will notice is that none of the performers wears a microphone. Their voices are so powerful they don’t need them.
There is always a full sized orchestra on hand and they sit in a pit just under the stage. If you’re high enough up in the balcony you’ll be able to get a glimpse of them but that’s about it. After all they aren’t there to be seen, just heard. However, they will probably be formally attired. Opera does have its traditions. The conductor however, is quite visible. He will approach under the glare of a spotlight. His podium places him above the orchestra and just below the level of the stage so the performers can see him. Notice your author uses “him” to describe orchestral conductors. In this arena it is still very much a man’s world.
As a first time opera-goer you’ll probably welcome the intermission. Just pretend you’re at a football game and it’s half time. Go outside and have some refreshments, and listen to some of the comments others make about the performance. It will be an education.
Happy Endings
The most exciting part is the ending. Usually the music and the singing conclude at a fever pitch, with power and crescendo. Then comes the fun part. If it is a really good performance the audience will go wild. Everyone will jump to their feet and aside from the thunderous applause, you’ll hear screams of “bravo.” The star performers will make curtain calls and each time the opera house will erupt anew. It is not unusual for people to start throwing flowers and bouquets on the stage. This spontaneous combustion of enthusiasm can go on for a good ten minutes or more.
Well, are you ready for your first opera? You’ve already gone dirt biking , river rafting, and sky diving so it’s time to experience a different kind of thrill. You’ll find that opera can also actually be fun. And, your root canal can wait!