2007-01-25 06:37:17 · 17 answers · asked by Barbara V 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
Ack, so hard to narrow it down to one..
I think "Le Nozze di Figaro" by Mozart is just pure musical perfection; and it has a good mix of comedy and more serious issues (love, social classes, traditions in high society)...
But my sentimental favourite is "Hansel und Gretel" by Humperdinck- I think it's by far the most underrated opera- the music in it is just heavenly and the story is so sweet...
Another underrated is "Dialogues of the Carmelites" by Poulenc which I just find so incredibly moving-especially the final scene
2007-01-26 10:37:55 · answer #1 · answered by sopcamlep 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Salome-Richard Strauss. An early 20th century opera for those who enjoy the darker side of opera. Very shocking and disturbing. Probably not for the Mozart lovers out there nor the easily offended, but a wonderful opera nonetheless.
2007-01-25 17:47:32 · answer #2 · answered by Doug 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For a variety of reasons, it is probably "La Traviata". It doesn't fit the usual definitions for "grand opera". There are no huge scenes of crowds of a hundred extras and singers onstage; it does not require lavish sets and costumes, and its focus is smaller; however, the music is first-rate. There are good scenes for singers with arias that are memorable.
And, even though it is of another century, it still speaks to us today. Of course, people don't face death by tuberculosis today, and today the "courtesan" would be called a "party girl", or "socialite", it is still moving when she surrenders her love for the younger man at the request of his father, to prevent the scandal that would destroy the happiness of his daughter.
2007-01-25 16:12:13 · answer #3 · answered by JOHN B 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Mozart's "Die Zauberflote" ("The Magic Flute"). And the performance of this opera that I like the very best is Ingmar Bergman's 1975 movie version.
2007-01-26 11:21:28 · answer #4 · answered by clicksqueek 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does Phantom of the Opera count?
2007-01-25 16:51:17 · answer #5 · answered by Uchihaitachi345 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I am a Guiseppe Verdi van.
La Traviatta is my favourite opera,
but La donna é mobile from Rigoletto is my favourite song.
2007-01-25 14:43:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Currently it's Bizet's Pearl Fishers.
2007-01-25 14:44:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The barber of Seville has some amazing vocal gymnastics. I always get a kick out of it, but a good blaring Verdi is my cup of tea when I clean my house.
2007-01-25 14:50:20 · answer #8 · answered by TJTB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turandot! Esp. for Nessun Dorma :-)
2007-01-25 20:32:23 · answer #9 · answered by LooneyDude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dido and Aeneas (can't spell it) by Henry Purcell - with Dido's lament - very moving...
2007-01-25 16:55:16 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋