Opera In The Know - Florentine Opera

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OPERA TRUTHS REVEALED Some of your preconceived notions about opera are correct, and you should realize this as well. This will help you be prepared for your experience at the opera and enjoy the performance more: Opera is long (compared to other forms of entertainment). Because all of the words in opera are sung, not spoken, it takes a longer time to move through the plot. Expect to spend at least 2 to 3 hours at the opera house, including at least one 15-minute intermission to stretch and wait in line for the bathroom (and remember, you won’t find a movie that long that includes an intermission!) Opera is basically a play set to music. This is true. While there is dialogue, questions, arguments, and even moments of silence in opera, the focus is on the music and the singing, which makes everything more dramatic. Opera is classical music. Most standard opera is classical music. There are some exceptions, like The Who's Tommy, a rock opera written in 1969, but as a general rule, you shouldn't expect to hear guitars and drums coming out of the orchestra pit. Don't be scared off by the words "classical music," however. In fact, if you follow the tips below, you will become so engrossed in the opera that you will find yourself eagerly counting down until the beginning of the live performance.
TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE LISTENING: Getting the Most out of your Trip to the Opera 1. Read the plot summary: The plot summary that comes with most opera CDs may give away the ending, but it's worth reading it just to know what's going on - you can relax and listen better when you're not worrying about catching every syllable. Sometimes the liner notes provide good background history (the opera's place in music history, its compositional style, or why the composer chose the story); this is also interesting, but definitely not mandatory. If you have time, check out the Florentine Opera’s Online Insights segments, which are created to give you a wealth of information about each opera presented. 2. You can look for a performance in English if you like, but most operas come with a libretto, the words and translation written down, so you can read along and follow the story. Librettos are on sale at all Florentine Opera productions. 3. Listen in segments: If you get bored and your mind starts to wander, shut off the CD player and come back to it in an hour or a day or two. Listening to one act or even one scene at a time keeps listening from getting monotonous. You might be surprised, though, at how much you get caught up in the story. Even playing it in the background while you're working or driving will familiarize you with the music. If all else fails and you find one opera unappealing, try another from a later or earlier time period or by a different composer. 4. Your library might also carry videos. If that's the case, pick up a performance of an opera you've become familiar with, and see what it looks like on stage. All this, of course, is only preparation for the next step: seeing how opera was meant to be performed. 5. Start with an opera that you've already listened to, so you can compare your vision with the specific production. Keep in mind that it's always more dramatic watching people on stage than plugging in your CD player, since live opera adds a whole other dimension to the music. After all, operas were designed to be performed, not just heard (just like plays were written to be performed, not just read). 6. Attend a pre-performance lecture. The Florentine Opera offers Opera Insights, which include an informative talk and live preview performances, several weeks before the opening of each production. In addition, a Pre-Opera Talk, including
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Page 3 and 4: WHAT IS OPERA? OPERA FAQS An opera
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Opera In The Know - Florentine Opera

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