Opera is characterized as synthesizing multiple aspects of art such as theatre, music, drama, etc.  But it seems that the performance sacrifices elements of each category in order to create a complete production.  I especially felt this way when reading Rigoletto, which seemed very fast paced and didn’t portray emotion so genuinely.  Is this aspect of opera considered negative, or is it a good thing?  And is it a better form and expression of art than something that’s less eclectic?