How to Enjoy Opera (and/or impress others while trying...)

If you think Pavarotti is the name of a pasta and Don Giovanni is a character from The Godfather, then this is the article for you. Opera is more accesable than you may think, and it's easier to enjoy than you might have imagined. Follow these tips and introduce yourself to a timeless art.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Access to a library
• Access to the internet

1. First of all, if you have access to the internet (I'm assuming you do if you are reading this.) then head over to YouTube. YouTube can be your best friend if you are trying to get acquainted with opera quickly. Here are a few selections to search for on YouTube that will get you started. "Don Giovanni" "Pavarotti" "Il Trovatore" "The Anvil Chorus" "Pagliacci"
2. If this is too much for you to digest right away, and you are still feeling a little lost as to what it all means, don't sweat it! That's the real first step to loving opera, knowing why it matters! Opera is all about emotions and history. (Again, go to google or the local library for these clips and movies to review my examples.) Consider the way the song "Liebestod" from the opera "Tristan and Isolde" added weight to the ending of the 1996 film "Romeo and Juliet". The creepy factor went through the roof of Ridley Scott's "Hannibal" with the addition of a special opera selection written just for the film called, "Vide Cor Meum". And last but not least, remember the scene in "Pretty Woman" where Julia Roberts' character is introduced to opera for the very first time? If that's all too serious for you, take a look at the ending to the Marx Bros. classic, "A Night At The Opera", where the Anvil Chorus from "Il Trovatore" is used greatly to make you laugh! If you still need convincing, check out the 1984, Oscar winning "Amadeus", which is surprisingly funny and will have you fully acquainted with both Mozart and opera. If you are really interested in opera, you may want to consider this movie required viewing.
3. Next, dismiss the language differences. Sure, many operas are in a language that you probably don't speak or understand. But that's okay, you won't need the subtitles. You'll be enthralled. Also, if you want to catch a live performance, they almost always have a large screen with subtitles. You may think a language difference will get in your way, but it won't be as big of a hang up as you think!
4. Opera has an unfair reputation for being one of the snobbier art forms. But over the years, many communities have embraced it. The opera "Porgy and Bess" was considered ground-breaking when it was came out in 1959 for breaking racial barriers, and it's all in English! Even MTV hopped on the opera bandwagon in 2001 when it produced "Carmen: A Hip Hopera" with the now hugely famous Beyonce. So it's not as stuffy as you may think when it comes to music.
5. Learn the stories within the operas you are exploring. Operas are not simply concerts, they are plays told through song and music. The stories are often riveting, suspensful, sensual, funny, and even scary. Warm up with "Phantom at the Opera" by Andrew Lloyd Weber. This isn't one of my favorites, as it's not technically an opera but a Broadway musical. But it will teach you that there is more to opera than singing, and get you accustomed to searching for a story.
6. Search for info on opera's most famous singers. Google Pavarotti, and please, please, please search YouTube for Pavarotti's performance of "I Pagliacci". This performance alone will reduce you to tears. Pavarotti's performance of this classic opera moment is so raw and emotional, it's almost like audible grief! This is made even more special by the fact that Pavarotti has now passed away. Google Beverly Sills, also gone now, and you will find a fascinating story about a woman who came into the opera scene "late" and stirred it up. She also did a lot for laughs with Carol Burnett, and was a very funny woman. My point? Opera is like sports...the legends of opera will serve to draw your interest into the history of the art with their unique stories.
7. Sometimes an art form becomes classic for a reason! Opera is beautiful, and while it's true that it may take more effort on your part to get to know it, it will all be well worth it. You will have to seek it out, since it's not like you can just turn on the radio and catch an opera. If you have ever had even the smallest inkling to pay attention to opera, or if your ears have ever perked up at the sound of opera, please do some digging.

Tips & Warnings

• Opera is highly emotional, be careful what you listen to if you're having a "down" day. (By the same token, finding a happy opera can really perk you up!)