Last Thursday night, we went to the Lincoln Center and saw “Tosca.” I’ve never seen an opera before, and I have to say, the experience was very enjoyable, perhaps even more than the ballet. I’ve seen a few Broadway shows in my life, including “Phantom of the Opera” and “Wicked”, but seeing an opera is a totally different experience. Broadway shows and plays tell a story through words and actions, while operas add the element of music. The music is able to convey emotions that simply cannot be portrayed through words. In other words, operas are able to “make you feel something” that plays cannot. I definitely felt it at the opera, especially when Tosca reached her highest notes.
One thing that I didn’t like was the length of the intermissions. Throughout the play, I found myself immersed in the story, worrying about the fates of Tosca and Cavaradossi (even though I knew full well that it would be tragic). The intermissions disrupted this immersion, and following each intermission, I found it difficult to “re-immerse” myself in the plot. Just imagine taking a 30-minute break in the middle of watching an action-packed movie – it’s just not the same!
Nice reflection, Jack! I would never want to take a long break during an action-packed movie. I would simply forget the story and lose my interest.
I really like how you emphasized the emotions conveyed through music. Different kinds of art hit on different sets of emotions, and I think you’ve captured this idea. Even though a Broadway musical incorporates music as well as words and actions, it still isn’t the same as an opera, where different notes can arouse different emotions.