Opera

[isabinda]

A week ago I went to the Opera.  I go about once a year, when my mother-in-law gives me a ticket.  This year I got her ticket because she had to go to a funeral -- so I went with her friends, which is not as much fun as going with her (occasionally one of her friends can't go, and I get his/her ticket ....).

Despite having a best friend from

Comments

Lyric Amplification

[anonymous]

"I am always conscious of the amplification of the music and singing..."

To my knowledge there have been only two operas in Lyric's entire history that were amplified. They are "Sweeney Todd" and "Dr Atomic." The former because the performers lack the ability to adequately project in an opera house. The latter because John Adams's orchestration is so huge that he insists on amplification in order to avoid stressing the singers.

There is an unconfirmed rumor that "Der Fliegende Hollander" had momentary amplification, but not for the singers. Chicago Opera Theater does not use amplification with the exception of operas of John Adams.

On the other hand, I agree completely about disrespect shown by the audience. In the dress circle doors are banged. But more annoying to me is the constant interruption by inappropriate applause--the trend is to let the music play through. Applause ruins the continuity.

But most annoying to me is the need of so many audience members to applaud before the music ends. Sometimes there are especially poignant musical passages at the end of an aria or at the end of an act that is lost to the stupidity of applause.

Obviously you are not an opera person. But I applaud you for trying. I think it is impossible for a non-musician in particular to appreciate opera unless some effort is expended in learning about the composition, the composer and by studying the libretto.

Re: Lyric Amplification

[isabinda]

I spent a good part of the opera trying to tell if the singers were amplified -- and finally decided they were. Clearly, I was wrong. But it sounded tinny where I was sitting, which was main floor, so I don't know what that was about.

I saw both Sweeney Todd -- actually in better seats on the main floor, much closer -- and Dr. Atomic. Dr. Atomic bugged me because with an opportunity for great staging of the bomb going off .... it was flat. I didn't notice the amplifications for either opera.

Clearly, I have a bad ear and am not an opera person. I do try, but it doesn't do anything for me.

I do enjoy learning about the opera and the composer -- though most of the music tends to be beyond my knowledge base.