2006-10-04 14:22:02 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
The very best beginner opera is Carmen. You will still want to have a translation handy, but you will probably recognize several songs and the plots moves quickly, unlike many operas. The plot and characters are easy to understand, and hearing familiar tunes will make it more interesting.
2006-10-06 16:10:07 · answer #1 · answered by operagirlmary 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a beginner... I'd listen to "Porgy and Bess" by George Gershwin. It's in English, good tunes, and has all of what makes opera cool... love, lust, treachery, death, humor. For trying to really understand opera as an art form, it ain't bad.
After that theres
http://www.idiotsguides.com/static/cs/us/603/quickguides/appreopera.html that gives a pretty good breakdown of opera, including a top ten list that could have 10 more, but still a good list. Also, opera is VERY visual, so perhaps a DVD of whatver you choose?
Whatever you listen to, have the libretto (lyrics/words translated) printed and ready. Otherwise, even with "Porgy", you'll be sayin' "HUH?"
And yes... opera can be "powerful"!
2006-10-04 22:43:09 · answer #2 · answered by Snaredrum 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i went and saw a hansel and gretel opera once at school and it was pretty good (which is amazing since i'm not an opera fan). i think if it's a familiar story, it will be easier to listen to/understand. so i'd start out with something like that.
2006-10-04 21:24:30 · answer #3 · answered by smoo. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy the match point soundtrack, its got a bunch of really great opera on it. I really like the old ones that were recorded on an LP and make the pop noise.
2006-10-04 21:25:23 · answer #4 · answered by Kristen S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Puccinis, Madame Butterfly is my favorite
2006-10-04 21:44:01 · answer #5 · answered by amalia372005 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋