papapapapageno

The first time I listened or watched opera was in elementary school. I remember my music teacher Ms. Donato show us pieces for the program Music Memories. We were instructed to memorize classical pieces and identify the names of small samples of music. Among the pieces were opera, to which I found extremely amusing. It wasn’t like any other music I was used to—mostly I listened to modern pop or hip hop. But listening to opera music was like playing around with music. It seemed like it had no boundaries. Whatever sounded nice was cool. I know that classical music is usually in the background of movies and animated film. It is always captivating and sets the mood.

One of the first operas I learned about was “The Magic Flute” by Mozart. I thought it was funny how the song kept saying “Papapageno”. It was weird, but nobody judged the singer or the composer like in modern music, because it was written purposefully. My favorite aria from the opera is the Queen of the Night aria. The singer playing the character always has some crazy vocals. I don’t remember the first opera I saw but I remember how long and boring it was. I hated the fact that I couldn’t understand it; basically I was like okay we get it, you have big booming voices and nice costumes, so? As I got older I can appreciate it more, because it is relaxing and an escape from the real world. When I watch opera, all I have to do is sit back and enjoy what all the performers and participating workers have in store for me. I am delighted and surprised.