Category — Opera

I was unexpectedly blown away by the opera experience that we shared together last Tuesday night. Aside from being amazed by an emotionally charged, passion infused performance, I was also pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere in the Metropolitan Opera house throughout the entire night.

After meeting up with everyone by the fountain I took a few minutes to observe my surroundings. Everywhere I looked people were classily dressed. There was a relaxed atmosphere, and most people had smiles on their faces as they entered the building. The opera house’s deep red carpeting, spiral staircases, ornate chandeliers, and on-display costumes all contributed to the classy feel of the night.

I was expecting the actual performance to be dull and confusing. I couldn’t follow the synopsis the first few times I read it, so I wasn’t looking forward to hearing people sing it out for four hours. However, once the lights dimmed and the curtains were drawn back, I was immediately sucked into the opera. Time flew by, and for the duration of the opera I sat upright in my seat anticipating all of the performers’ next moves.

Although I had an excellent experience and will probably go back to watch a few more operas, there were some things that disappointed me. I don’t know why, but I was expecting the opera to be kind of like a musical so I was let down by its relative simplicity. The plot was a bit confusing to follow, and the scenery was a little too abstract for my liking (even though it did do its and draw more attention to the performers).  However, my biggest complaint is that I didn’t get to see a fat lady sing!

Going back to a show at Lincoln Center was amazing, especially because it was something different, something that I probably would have not gone on my own to see.

Many people seemed to have enjoyed it, but in all honesty, it did not exceed my expectations. This is not a bad thing or good thing at the same time. In reality, there’s always a stereotype for any kind of music/performance, and for opera, some characterize it as boring and hard to understand. Unfortunately, I have to agree after going to see this. HOWEVER, I am glad that I was able to experience this firsthand. I am glad that I don’t have to wonder anymore about opera (haha). I am not saying I didn’t enjoy myself or the performance, but I am saying that the opera isn’t for me.

As per the performance, set, composer, etc., I thought they were incredible. It was humorous and the colors really went well with the whole idea. I was very impressed with the child actors/singers and some of the music was just great!

After the opera ended, I kind of kept my comments to myself because I know there are many that really enjoyed it. It’s interesting that this art form is still alive, and although it isn’t my favorite, I am also glad that it’s still around.

Going to the Metropolitan Opera was one of the events that I was particularly excited about for this class. I really like opera, and I really like Shakespeare, so I figured the combination would be something I would really enjoy.

Although the sets were interesting and very original, and the singing was of course amazing, I found the production as a whole a bit underwhelming. There weren’t many tunes in the opera that were particularly memorable. The music never made me go “wow.” Even though opera is not exactly supposed to be catchy like a pop song, there are opera tunes that definitely stick in your head and make you go “wow.”

A problem I had with the opera that I didn’t think about before seeing it was that since A Midsummer Night’s Dream isn’t meant to be an opera, the singing of it sometimes felt awkward and forced. Not only that, but it lost the iambic beat that Shakespeare’s writing has to it. For me, that’s one of the best parts about Shakespeare’s writing–that there is a rhythm and it’s rather consistent. With opera, this was lost completely. Singing his words in a slow manner or with extended syllables made the dialogue lose so much of its cleverness and spice. After all, Shakespeare plays aren’t just the words themselves; they’re the way they are said.

I’ve never had the opportunity to attend an Opera. This has been my first Opera and I can certainly admit that it was by far the greatest experience.

On Tuesday night, the night of the Opera, I had much to do. I had an essay due, a midterm the following day, and a lot of reading and studying. I didn’t know if I would be able to make it to the Opera. I was conflicted, should I focus on my school-work or take advantage of the opportunity to attend an Opera? Clearly, I chose the Opera.

I was stunned by the look of the Metropolitan Opera House. It was an extremely elegant environment. There were beautiful chandeliers hanging high up, red-carpeted stairs, fancy dressed people, etc. I did not expect the night to turn out as it did.

I sat still and let the story, the sights, the humor, and the music pass through me. I didn’t let anything distract me. I left my phone vibrating, left my friends waiting. I felt that if I missed even a second of the show, I would be lost, not knowing what was happing. I enjoyed the story, the singing, and the humor the most. The singing was extraordinary and the humor in the story kept me laughing. The orchestra was great. I felt that the style of music fit exactly with the plot, the characters personality, and their moods. I was fascinated by the stage production and design. The stage kept moving, introducing a new chapter or scene in the play. It was a phenomenal experience!

The night of the Opera was beyond my expectations. It was outstanding and certainly a night to remember!

I never thought I would enjoy going to a four hour opera. When i received professor Ugoretz’s email about the opera I was anything but excited. How could someone sit though a four hour play- nonetheless an opera.

When we got there, I realized that A Midsummer’s Night Dream would actually be done in English. Most people who have previously been to operas were upset about that, but I was very happy that at least I’d somewhat understand what was going on.

I really enjoyed A Midsummer’s Night Dream. The scenery, the costumes, the people’s voices- were all amazing. I was very amazed at the scenery and kept wondering how it worked. I was surprised to see that the fairies were so young, I thought most people in the opera were older, but I was clearly mistaken. It shocked me when those little boys entered the stage, especially when I heard their voices and how amazing they were.

While I wouldn’t go to the opera on my own, this was a great experience for me. It may not be a “real’ opera, because it wasn’t in Latin, but for me this was better. I wasn’t really a fan of the very long breaks which made it seem longer than it should have been. But all in all, I did enjoy my first opera experience, and maybe I will even convince my family, who have never been to the opera, to go to an opera. I’m sure they would like it just as much as I did!