Opera

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The subject matter of many operas is often a tale of doom and gloom, of murder and revenge, and the heroine often dies of tuberculosis in the end. But many serious and comic operas include riotous, rollicking drinking scenes in a tavern or at a party, where the characters partake in a good beverage and have a good time, along with some great music. We will examine several of these. A designated driver service will be available if necessary able to take participants home. Salut! L'Chaim! Cheers!

Many opera composers and producers have spared nothing to present the audience with the greatest audio and visual performance they will ever see or hear. In many operas there are scenes where the production just seems “over the top”. How could you produce anything bigger, better, or more outlandish from a musical or production standpoint? This presentation will show scenes from various operas where you will be overwhelmed by what and how they were presented on stage. 

Some people say that Mozart’s opera was an important factor in initiating the French revolution in 1789. There were many reasons for the revolution, and this opera does reflect those times and helps give you an understanding of some of the factors leading to the overthrow of the French monarchy. There is also some great music, orchestral and vocal, and a crazy comic farce of a story. You will hear the highlights of this opera along with a narrative of the story. Vive la France! Vive Mozart!

If you have attended a live opera performance lately you will know that the price of a ticket can be very expensive. This can result in a disappointing experience when the opera itself is a ridiculous story or the production is absurd. But often, the overture to the opera, that opening orchestral work, is a fantastic piece of music by itself.  You might feel you received your money’s worth even if you walk out after the overture. But remember, please stay for this entire presentation.

G&S operettas don’t get the credit they deserve. Yes, the story lines may be goofy, but what high, grand opera story isn’t just as ridiculous? (See above – The Marriage Of Figaro by Mozart as an example).  Gilbert’s words and wit are second to none in the English language and still have relevance. Sullivan’s music is bright and cheery and many melodies have remained popular to this day. The end result makes for a fun session with selections from their popular operettas. Tarantara! Tarantara!

Which is better, opera or ballet? That question has no answer. It is all in the mind of the members of the audience or listeners. Opera and ballet don’t often mix. In ballet the performance is straight forward – dance and music. In opera there are the vocal performances along with the music, but very often some ballet and dance are included. Regardless, there is great music to be heard in either genre. This program focuses on the music of ballet which is always great to hear.