I recently had a co-worker tell me that "opera was a dead art." While he later admitted that he was only partially serious, it got me thinking. Just because one does not listen to a certain type of music, does that mean it is a "dead art?" I will be honest, opera is not my favorite genre of music to listen to at all times... it is usually pretty far down the list. But there is something about opera that is pretty timeless. There is so much opera music that is innately blended into our culture that, while always recognizable, many don't even realize it is from an opera. (and no, Beyonce's hip-hopera does not count)
I do think opera plays a very different role in our day than it once did. Opera used to be the "Hannah Montana Concerts" of its time with everyone fighting for tickets. Today it represents culture and music appreciation and art history. I am a firm believer that opera is still very much alive... though in a very different context than it originally was. There are still composers out there creating brand new operas. There is a new wave of "hip" directors that are taking old operas to new levels of creativity and extravagance.
Even with the new ideas (puppets, light shows, mohawks etc.), I will always be moved by some good ole' Mozart... no bells and whistles, just some breathtaking music.
Andy Dufresne thought so too (and how can you argue with him?):
And by the way, this duet is called "Sull'aria" and it is from Mozart's 'Le Nozze di Figaro" (The Marriage of Figaro).
This opera was first performed in Vienna, Austria on May 1, 1786.
Happy 222nd Birthday!
2 comments:
what are the chances that i would be watching tivoed oprah while reading your blog?
tom cruise is trying to make scientology seem normal.
ok, i had only read the title and i thought it said oprah not opra. i just went back to read and feel like a real idiot.
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