Is There Any Opera Music That You Like?
Read more articles on Music and Let Me Share With You.April 9, 2007
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
April 9, 2007
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
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I mean, really like…not just claiming you like because you think by doing so you’ll seem classier and more sophisticated…
Perhaps a small percentage of folks truly enjoy it, but those people aren’t in my circle. Do you know anyone who follows opera stars and their careers as much as those of movie, television and mainstream music performers? No, I don’t, either.
It pains me a bit to even be writing this, as opera is every much an art as ballet-which I know has its share of detractors-but ballet at least tells a story that can be understood by all age groups, regardless of language. Perhaps I’d feel more of a kinship with this venue if I understood what was going on, but even the famous opera showings on TV have left me largely unmoved. The sopranos’ notes also have a way of grating on my ears.
Now, in fairness, I did enjoy the Phantom of the Opera, but it was in English, I had the libretto, and I already knew if from the movie version of many years ago. The voices in the production were rather pleasant, admitting however, that it wasn’t a “real” opera. But I can’t say the same for even recent opera royalty such as Andre Boccelli, who is unquestionably a magnificent singer. (There was a period of a few months where my husband would have Boccelli’s music blaring throughout the whole house until I was ready to scream…such an overdose makes me now shudder at his voice, angelic as it may be.)
But-there is one piece of opera music that appeals to me. I have actually downloaded several versions of it, and although it’s still my favorite of the genre, I have to say that an instrumentalist version is my preference. The truly ironic thing is that I would rather listen to “Flower Duet” without the duet-sort of like ordering a cheeseburger without the cheese.
I am sure that you have heard this at least once in your life, if only as background for public broadcasting ads or fundraisers. It is a very haunting melody that is still perfectly displayed without singers, although the singers’ intertwining voices do add an entirely different dimension. Charlotte Church sings on one popular version, but I lean towards another (sorry, singers unknown) that is not quite so high-pitched. (Again, anything close to the screechy factor annoys me.) But for a great taste of this song without any distractions, look for the instrumentalist version that has a background of waters lapping against a shore. It isn’t opera, but something that one can have on in the company of kids, family and acquaintances and still enjoy conversation with them. (It doesn’t brag, “Listen to me!”)
Ending this piece, I’ll just say that I deeply respect the talents of opera singers and admire their contributions to the artistic world. To have that kind of voice is indeed a gift. But what’s great about art is that there really is something for everyone, and although I can find beauty in opera, I’m more comfortable with alternative choices. Maybe someday I’ll find another operatic selection I’d like to play frequently. But for now, I’m happy with my versions of Flower Duet-even though I’ve read the translation and it doesn’t make a lick of sense. Oh well, one shouldn’t question art too deeply because then some of the mystery is gone, right?
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