Carlo Rafael M. Baria
HON121
When talking about “high art,” opera definitely comes to mind. People in custom-fitted suits, shiny, sparkling and elegant dresses, and seats of varying prices often ranging from tens to thousands, and more. I have never been to an opera before, and this was my first experience, especially when doing so with my class.
When watching operas on TV, I never imagined I would like to sit there. I don’t really appreciate the extremely nuanced speech of the performers, but I do admire their dedication and extent of talent because I know I can’t reach those high notes at all. When Musetta, for example, would reach the higher octaves, it gave me chills, especially if it was a notable part of the plot (if I could understand the plot, that is). The audience would gasp, laugh, or make some sort of gesture to show their appreciation.
That brings me to the next part of my evaluation of the Opera experience. The story itself was difficult for someone like me to understand, but many definitely do. Just as doctors and nurses are expected to know almost every part of the human body, Opera fanatics should be informed in the Opera they are going to.
However, there is a certain air of snobbery that I felt throughout the theatre, which is to be expected from New Yorkers and even worse, Opera fanatics. I myself was extremely new to the Met Opera House, and wouldn’t know what to do without asking a friend. Having someone shout “BE QUIET, WE’RE TRYING TO WATCH THE SHOW” before the show even started is extremely off-putting and doesn’t do any real good for anybody. You just shouted “Be Quiet,” which is innately hypocritical.
I see the value in Operas from a macroscopic perspective: they give meaning and an outlet for the artists in our society to express themselves, similar to the other arts. But along with that comes this air of arrogance and exclusivity that many artists seem to yearn, but try to mask from their outward-looking intentions. Doctors, Engineers, and Lawyers also exhibit this aura, but because they have worked extremely hard to do so, and with real, physical consequences if they don’t do their job. As an opera-goer, you can’t turn people away just for one unpleasant thing they do. The exclusivity or closed nature of many arts (especially the lack of information given to people who aren’t so informed) only works to create this pedestal that the artists wish to be placed on. Not only does it make people hate art, but it completely removes any real value in how I think art should be seen: an open, carefree, and inclusive to all, lest it is thrown away in times of crisis.