If the audience members watching an opera are not fluent or literate in the language it is performed in, which composer’s opera would be easier to follow and feel engaged with; Verdi or Wagner? I feel like Wagner would be more relatable not only the music, but the lyrics too, tell the story. There are no arias that would the action of an opera and possibly make it confusing whereas Wagner did not break up the action and incorporate music more to tell the story.

Are leitmovs necessary in an opera? Is it too suggestive? In an opera, what do you think is more important the word/lyrics or music?  P. 270