Revealed: Why You Can't Understand What An Opera Soprano Is Singing

The Telegraph (UK) ^ | 1-8-2004 | Roger Highfield

[WarmLiquidGhoo]

"...the price of being heard is a loss in comprehensibility,"

Sounds like a description of Howard Dean.

[Interesting Times]

Welcome to FR, and thanks for a most informative post.

Also, congratulations on the Bagging of the Shrew. :)>

As a long-time rock pianist and singer, I'm curious to know what a professional opera singer makes of "rock operas" such as Tommy and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Regards, I.T.

[onedoug]

It's like going to the circus.

[Maigret]

Hey wait! I'm a redneck too!

Not three of us on an Opera thread? We're ruining our reputation!

As to the comments on texts, I have to say I have to have those subtitles the first time through, I do want to understand what the story is. But after that first time I'm happy to switch them off and just enjoy the beauty of the music.

Since all of our viewing of Operas has to be done at home, does anyone have some favorite ones on video or dvd to recommend?

[Maigret]

I love La Boheme too! It is the perfect opera, not one word wasted

La Boheme is a favorite, but for the 'perfect opera' you can't beat La Traviata, IMHO

[Maigret]

Please add me to any opera pings, and certainly the G&S. Thanks

[from occupied ga]

People listen to opera! Who would whave thought it?

[nopardons]

Shall do. :-)

[Hatteras]

Ahhhh..... Bach!

[novacation]

I wish I could. I been to many live operas In SF and don't have many videos. I don't go much any more because of the cost. Usually if you know who the performers are the vidoes are good.

[Bobby Chang]

Now I know why sometimes I duck and even have strange problems in my seat when I hear a soprano sing, especially if it is one specific singer.

Now I see why it can be hard to sing -- and I can tell you singing classical can be tricky, but can be rewarding.

I'd love to sing in amateur classical events along with a few friends because it's great. Unfortunately, good singers and musicians in classical are being bumped by today's infatuation with silly pop. Of course, two years of classical training on the side may help.

I love singing classically because I have a respect of it gained by friends who sing that way. I'd love to try out for opera because it is a tough genre but rewarding. Great singers are harder to find. Just learned a friend of mine (a native of Michigan) is going to the New England Conservatory and has a scholarship . . . and she is a Soprano! I love hearing her voice. (The picture is not she.)

In our church we're seeing how pop has quickly replaced classical in our song, and I grow concerned about it.

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