Cavalliera Rustica, Pagliacci, Tannhauser, or Aida. Also, which one of these has the best aria, or "expressive melody" (for the orchestra).
2007-12-16 06:14:29 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music ➔ Classical
My mistake, its the singer and the orchestra
2007-12-16 07:25:29 · update #1
My vote would be for Tannhauser, but I'm German and a bit prejudiced. Arias are for singers and not the orchestras. I think you are a tiny bit confused.
2007-12-16 06:50:14 · answer #1 · answered by Jeff L 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no 'best' in a competition like this - which, quite honestly is meaningless. You ask for an expressive melody for the orchestra. In limiting yourself to just these four works you ignore what, IMO, is the most expressive, that is the prelude from Act 1 of La Traviata. You also totally ignore the operas of Mozart - what greater aria is there than Dove sono from the Marriage of Figaro. Having said that, I admit to having become hooked on opera by attending a performance of Tannhauser nearly 50 years ago now. I came out singing the Pilgrims Chorus. Although, as I have got older I think I nowprefer Dich teure Halle from that opera.
I must also disagree with the above answer which suggests that Aida is the most popular opera ever written. I believe that accolade goes to Carmen.
2007-12-16 17:33:28 · answer #2 · answered by rdenig_male 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your asking for an almost impossible choice: 4 great masterpieces.
Cavalleria rusticana/I Pagliacci, the perfect double-bill; Tannhauser, glorious spiritual music; and the most popular opera ever written, Aida.
Best? Although I'm an avid Wagnerian, I think if I were allowed to go out in the lobby and have a cigarette during some portions of it, I would have to choose Aida.
I have no problem with the first two acts, but I think the entire third act is a terrible bore.
As to the last, the fourth act, the first scene is Verdi at his most dramatic: magnificent. The last scene, I can do without. Very disappointing for me; if it weren't for Amneris's "pace", "pace" I don't think I could endure it either.
You asked for the "best aria, or expressive melody. For me, no contest: the "Pilgrim's Chorus" from Tannhauser".
Wotan
2007-12-16 15:05:45 · answer #3 · answered by Alberich 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋