So as my local track-count closes near 30,000 songs I realized I’ve never really “gotten” opera, never really gave it a chance. But now that the equipment is there, I was wondering if someone has any good live-performances to recommend to someone looking to cut their teeth on the genre?
Anything that truly stands above the rest, kinda like the Hans Zimmer’s Live In Prague-of-opera?
Honestly in my opinion (and I’m definitely not an expert) but live( meaning in person, not “live” recording) is the only way to go if you are just starting out. It gives you visuals and you can connect what is going on even if you don’t understand the language it is being presented/sung in. My first was The Magic Flute many years ago and to this day I can still remember the amazing audio and visual experience. Madame Butterfly and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera (which arguably has many different “cuts” available, From the original London cast to the Broadway cast… To the recent movie soundtrack… You get what I mean)are also favorites of mine. Try anything/everything. You may prefer one version VS another don’t give up if “x” performance is not your thing… “y” may hit a cord and you instantly love it. One of the resources that I regularly use it PBS’s “Live at the MET”,It isn’t perfect but it is free and there are different performances to choose from. They are presented in a more “classical” format vs movie format though. Good luck, have fun and don’t take anything too seriously.
Seconded Madame Butterfly! Puccini is the best.
Lots of good points here, but Andrew Lloyd Weber is a magical theater guy, not an opera composer. Musical theater can be a good stepping stone to opera though. So much more accessible, especially because most are in English.
I agree, not a “classical” style Opera composer and even though all of his works are designed and originate as “Musicals” I specifically pointed to Phantom because of the songs and the fact that it is a good stepping stone. I should have been more clear/specific.