Any opera listener/watcher?

[Wis Redz of Silvanost]

I know Jemsite is about guitar and guitar oriented music but I feel there is much to learn from classical music. The great composers' approach to composition is most intriguing and delightful. I've been listening to classical music for nearly 7 years but I'm just getting more interested in operas. This is strange, considering my uncle is an opera singer

Anyway, I first bought a DVD of Don Giovanni from Deutsche Grammophon, then came Zauberflöte. Today I've watched my uncle and the other singers perform Idomeneo. The music is amazing, and that is not surprising since it has Mozart's signature under it. The plot is good as well but I find myself prefering Don Giovanni's plot.

Opera is like theater with superb music. That idea really excites me and I'd like to know if there are any Jemsiters who feel the same way about opera...

PS:Jim or other mods, I know I could/should have opened this thread in Players/Music forum but it just didn't seem appropriate after giving it some thought. Of course it is up to you to place it wherever you feel adequate.

[Axayacatl]

I really like Wagner... much to the dismay of my german friends...

[Sabu2k1]

Phantom Of the Opera count?
I also liked Mozart's first opera, the german one, which the name scapes me,

[mi2tom]

I like opera but I never get to listen to it much, and I didn't get to find out who composed

[jemsite]

it is superb music and best appreciated live in a theatre... definite acquired taste that once you appreciate really changes our views on music and theatre. i don't have a collection of cd/videos but i would like to attend more such things when the kids are older... zero time for that now unfortunately... glen

[crevis]

My grandad has an enourmous classical collection, I allways take my laptop when I go to see him and stock up. I listen to alot of classical music but my favourite peice is still four seasons, I dont think there will ever be a better peice of music written.

[Wis Redz of Silvanost]

Funny, I am listening to the Four Seasons right now. I may have have to disagree with this being the best piece ever written though.

Glen, I hope your kids will grow up to like this kind of music. I'm disturbed to see my sister be ignorant of this kind of music... Anyway, everyone has his/her choice. And I agree with seeing operas in theater. The acoustic is always better than any home theater and there is of course excitement to see it all live before your eyes.

Tom, I couldn't understand which piece you couldn't identify with the composer's name. I definitely recommend Don Giovanni if you are interested. And Rigoletto by Verdi as well. I could go on and on

[pawel]

I listen to a lot of classical music (mostly 20th century), but Opera is something I have never been particularily interested in. I could imagine going to see it, but not really something I'd listen to at home. Maybe I'll get it eventually, although I feel it is a bit of a stagnant genre.

[Paul_R]

I agree Glen. Opera is best heard live in a theatre. My wife is an opera/classical singer so I've been to a few operas. I was blown away when I saw my first opera. Just a sweet mix of musical tones and sounds.