A Brief Introduction to the Opera
A Few Things to Know About Opera
It may come as a surprise, but opera has historically been a popular form of entertainment attended by people of all socio-economic backgrounds. It remains so it many European countries. Opera’s popular appeal comes from the fact that it is a “total artform,” i.e., it combines all of the classical arts: music and singing (the symphony/the chorus), acting (the play), dance (the ballet), and even the visual arts in the form of set design and costume design. It is meant to be entertaining and fantastical—after all who in the world would really sing an entire aria after being fatally wounded and before finally succumbing to their wounds? The best way to enjoy it is to accept that it is fantastical and over the top. Immerse yourself in it, thinking about how each element adds to your understanding of the characters and the plot. Compare what the character is singing to how they are singing it—do the music and words convey the same message? Do their actions and words convey the same message? What does the scenery tell you? How does the chorus compliment (or challenge) the words and actions of the main characters? You’ll probably notice that the action is slow, but dramatic (perhaps even melodramatic). And the singers repeat themselves frequently (which would have been appreciated by earlier audiences who would not have had access to a libretto or to subtitles). The costumes are often showy and dramatic (which is great for those of us who sit in the upper tiers). And the sets can range from sparse to ornate. Observe and think about each of these details as you watch and enjoy.
Preparing for the Opera
If you have some time, you might read the libretto for the opera and listen to some of the music in preparation for our visit. You can find the libretto here: http://www.opera-arias.com/mozart/die-zauberflöte/libretto/english/
You can listen to the music and some of arias on Naxos (a music database that you can access through the Baruch Newman Library website).
The program will also provide information about the story (though not a complete libretto) and the history of the opera (when it was first performed, how interpretations opera have changed over time).
The Met
The Met Opera House in Lincoln Center has a long and interesting history. You can find out some of it at their website: http://www.metopera.org
Please note that the Met Opera is NOT the Metropolitan Museum (the other Met). Do not go to the Museum, go to Lincoln Center on Columbus Avenue between 60th and 65th Street. It is on the west side of Central Park.
Opera Etiquette and Useful Information
Dress: You don’t need to dress up a lot, though you’ll probably want to avoid wearing sweatpants and hoodies. You are also free to dress up if you feel like it!
Security: You will be asked to open your bags and they may also wave a metal detector wand around you. Pretty much the same security you might experience going to a baseball game.
Phones and Texting: Turn off phones completely and put them away throughout the opera. That will reduce your desire to text or surf the web. Remember that the light from your phone screen can be extremely annoying to those who are watching the opera, so the best policy is to put it in your bag or pocket and leave it there while the opera is being performed.
Subtitles: There will be a small screen on the back of the chair in front of you. This screen can provide you the text of the Opera in the language you choose as it is being sung. The buttons on the side of the screen allow you to turn it on and off and to choose the language.
Opera Glasses: You can (and are encouraged) to bring opera glasses (or even just regular binoculars) in order to see the action on the stage better.
Clapping: When and how long people clap depends on the audience and the venue.
Normally people clap 1) when the conductor enters the orchestra pit (you may not be able to see the conductor, but others can, so you can use them as your guide); 2) at the end of each Act; 3) at the end of the Opera.
Generally people do not clap during the act even if the performers have just completed an amazing aria or duet. But sometimes they do. Let the rest of the audience guide your decision to clap in the middle of the Act.
If you feel compelled to provide a verbal affirmation to the singers as well, the appropriate terms are Bravo (for men) and Brava (for women).
Intermission: There will be an intermission. The kiosk on the mezzanine sells drinks and some light snacks but they are very expensive. Please do not bring food or drinks into the theater (or at least refrain from eating or drinking during the performance).
If you are late
I will go into the opera house at 7:15 pm sharp, so do not be late as you will be left behind.
If you do happen to be late and you don’t see me at the fountain you should do the following: Go to the ticket counter and see if anyone has left an extra ticket, which will allow you entrance into the Opera house. If the doors are still open, then come up the family circle section and find the rest of the class. We will be sitting in rows H and I.
If you arrive AFTER the doors have closed, send me an e-mail. I’ll meet you downstairs in front of the Opera House after the first act to give you a ticket.
