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Smileyd17
kids
Member since 5/05 20997 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Opera-Help on deciding one
So I promised DH for his bday that i would take him to one and being his Bday was in July he would have to wait for opera season. Well, I see its here and I need to get tickets.
Ok, so which one would be a good one to see for a 1st opera. One that would be easy on my ears and something I can hopefully understand and not too long. 
TIA!
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Posted 9/14/06 12:36 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
LadyMaravilla
Fall Is Here
Member since 5/05 12023 total posts
Name:
Sonia
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
I don't know which ones are out but I went to see the Magic Flute and it was amazing!!!!!!! It was awesome.
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| Posted 9/14/06 12:38 PM |
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Michi
My Love
Member since 5/05 31600 total posts
Name:
M
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
my bf knows alot about operas..i can ask his opinion and fm u later..he has seen almost every1
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| Posted 9/14/06 12:52 PM |
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MrsRbk
<3 <3 <3 <3
Member since 1/06 19197 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
We are season ticket holders at the Met and DH is so excited that our first Opera is the end of the month.
Good Operas that would be good for you would be:
La Boheme
La Travita
Tosca
Carmen
Aida - a little on the longish side, but has 3 intermissions and the acts are fairly short (by Opera standards)
Madame Butterfly (I'm seeing this for the first time this season)
FM me if you have any questions
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| Posted 9/14/06 12:56 PM |
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Michi
My Love
Member since 5/05 31600 total posts
Name:
M
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
Posted by MrsRbk
We are season ticket holders at the Met and DH is so excited that our first Opera is the end of the month.
Good Operas that would be good for you would be:
La Boheme
La Travita
Tosca
Carmen
Aida - a little on the longish side, but has 3 intermissions and the acts are fairly short (by Opera standards)
Madame Butterfly (I'm seeing this for the first time this season)
FM me if you have any questions
i have a q... im going to fm you
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| Posted 9/14/06 12:59 PM |
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MrsRbk
<3 <3 <3 <3
Member since 1/06 19197 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
Rigoletto is a good one too
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| Posted 9/14/06 12:59 PM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
Do you want to see an opera in english?
Also, I don't knw how old you are, but city opera has a program to get $30 opera tickets if you're between age 21and 39. it's call the "big deal" program. You can access the tickets for free, but you get more access and more advance access if you join for an annual fee.
NYC Opera - Big Deal
I think Elixir of Love is a really fun, accessable opera, and (see below) NYCO is ipdating it to 1950's america. Sounds interesting!
Here are some recs from NYC Opera for Beginning Opera goers:
BRAND NEW TO OPERA
Never been to the opera before and want a recommendation? City Opera has plenty of choices to serve as the perfect gateway to the operatic world for you. These selections are some of the most popular and tuneful in the repertory, abounding with resplendent melodies to hum on your way home and thoroughly engaging plots. Try out these true masterpieces: Bizet's intoxicating Carmen, opera's most passionate and fiery work set in lively 19th century Seville; Puccini's romantic La bohème, a story of sheer youthful optimism that served as an inspiration for the musical Rent; another Puccini great, Madama Butterfly , a heart-wrenching and beautifully exotic opera about devotion, sacrifice, and unrequited love; and Verdi's immortal La traviata , a passionate and heartbreaking story of faithful love which includes some of opera's most beautiful music.
THE NEXT STEP
You've been to the opera a couple of times before and are ready for the next level. Perhaps a well-known opera updated by a City Opera director or a less familiar opera by a celebrated composer. First, we'd recommend you consider Jonathan Miller's production of Donizetti's The Elixir of Love . Updated to 1950s America, this lively production resembles an Edward Hopper painting, complete with Ford Fairlanes, soda jerks, and pompadours. Another recommendation is City Opera's new production of Così fan tutte , Mozart's profound Italian comedy about love, lies, and constancy which, scientifically examines whether women are by nature faithful.
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| Posted 9/14/06 1:00 PM |
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mtnmama
Member since 5/06 4794 total posts
Name:
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Message edited 5/21/2009 10:05:03 AM.
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| Posted 9/14/06 1:01 PM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
My first Opera was The Marriage of Figaro, and my second was Brigadoon. Those were both really accesable and brigadoon is in English.
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| Posted 9/14/06 1:02 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
In no order:
Madame Butterfly
La Traviata
Il Barbarie di Siviglia (one of my faves)
Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci
Turandot
Here is the link to the met:
Linky
Have FUN!
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| Posted 9/14/06 1:05 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
Posted by MrsRbk
We are season ticket holders at the Met and DH is so excited that our first Opera is the end of the month.
Good Operas that would be good for you would be:
La Boheme
La Travita
Tosca
Carmen
Aida - a little on the longish side, but has 3 intermissions and the acts are fairly short (by Opera standards)
Madame Butterfly (I'm seeing this for the first time this season)
FM me if you have any questions
I do not believe the Met is showing Aida or Carmen this season.
Message edited 9/14/2006 1:07:57 PM.
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| Posted 9/14/06 1:07 PM |
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MrsRbk
<3 <3 <3 <3
Member since 1/06 19197 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
Posted by JenniferEver
My first Opera was The Marriage of Figaro, and my second was Brigadoon. Those were both really accesable and brigadoon is in English.
The Marriage of Figaro is very dear to my heart. DH proposed to me on the Balcony overlooking the fountain after a performance of Marriage of Figaro. Our recessional music at our wedding was the wedding march they used in the Opera.
Yes, Marriage of Figaro is fun, so is the Barber of Seville (which is the prequel to Marriage of Figaro, even though they were written by two different composers)
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| Posted 9/14/06 1:09 PM |
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Smileyd17
kids
Member since 5/05 20997 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
There is Opera in English???
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| Posted 9/14/06 1:22 PM |
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stayandjohn
Our life is complete
Member since 5/05 5909 total posts
Name:
Stacey
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
I saw 2 operas when I was in HS, part of the music program. We saw Madame Butterfly and Carmen. I loved them both, but I think Madame Butterfly was just a bit better.
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| Posted 9/14/06 1:23 PM |
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MsMBV
:P
Member since 5/05 28602 total posts
Name:
Me
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
Posted by Smileyd17
There is Opera in English???
There are several operas in english.
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| Posted 9/14/06 1:24 PM |
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JenniferEver
The Disney Lady
Member since 5/05 18163 total posts
Name:
Jennifer
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
Posted by Smileyd17
There is Opera in English???
yep. But usually when people think og classic opera, they don't think of English Opera.
Venus and Adonis, Brigadoon, etc.
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| Posted 9/14/06 1:25 PM |
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Smileyd17
kids
Member since 5/05 20997 total posts
Name:
Mommy
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
yea..DH would kill me if I chose an English one
I'll stick with the Italian ones.
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| Posted 9/14/06 1:29 PM |
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Aga
hello baby Albert
Member since 9/05 7750 total posts
Name:
Aga
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
Posted by JenniferEver
Do you want to see an opera in english?
Also, I don't knw how old you are, but city opera has a program to get $30 opera tickets if you're between age 21and 39. it's call the "big deal" program. You can access the tickets for free, but you get more access and more advance access if you join for an annual fee.
NYC Opera - Big Deal
I think Elixir of Love is a really fun, accessable opera, and (see below) NYCO is ipdating it to 1950's america. Sounds interesting!
Here are some recs from NYC Opera for Beginning Opera goers:
BRAND NEW TO OPERA
Never been to the opera before and want a recommendation? City Opera has plenty of choices to serve as the perfect gateway to the operatic world for you. These selections are some of the most popular and tuneful in the repertory, abounding with resplendent melodies to hum on your way home and thoroughly engaging plots. Try out these true masterpieces: Bizet's intoxicating Carmen, opera's most passionate and fiery work set in lively 19th century Seville; Puccini's romantic La bohème, a story of sheer youthful optimism that served as an inspiration for the musical Rent; another Puccini great, Madama Butterfly , a heart-wrenching and beautifully exotic opera about devotion, sacrifice, and unrequited love; and Verdi's immortal La traviata , a passionate and heartbreaking story of faithful love which includes some of opera's most beautiful music.
THE NEXT STEP
You've been to the opera a couple of times before and are ready for the next level. Perhaps a well-known opera updated by a City Opera director or a less familiar opera by a celebrated composer. First, we'd recommend you consider Jonathan Miller's production of Donizetti's The Elixir of Love . Updated to 1950s America, this lively production resembles an Edward Hopper painting, complete with Ford Fairlanes, soda jerks, and pompadours. Another recommendation is City Opera's new production of Così fan tutte , Mozart's profound Italian comedy about love, lies, and constancy which, scientifically examines whether women are by nature faithful.
I saw Cosi fan tutte and in my opinion it is not a good opera for someone that is not a huge fan of opera, not as exciting as other operas...
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| Posted 9/14/06 1:38 PM |
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MrsRbk
<3 <3 <3 <3
Member since 1/06 19197 total posts
Name:
Michelle
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
Posted by Aga
Posted by JenniferEver
Do you want to see an opera in english?
Also, I don't knw how old you are, but city opera has a program to get $30 opera tickets if you're between age 21and 39. it's call the "big deal" program. You can access the tickets for free, but you get more access and more advance access if you join for an annual fee.
NYC Opera - Big Deal
I think Elixir of Love is a really fun, accessable opera, and (see below) NYCO is ipdating it to 1950's america. Sounds interesting!
Here are some recs from NYC Opera for Beginning Opera goers:
BRAND NEW TO OPERA
Never been to the opera before and want a recommendation? City Opera has plenty of choices to serve as the perfect gateway to the operatic world for you. These selections are some of the most popular and tuneful in the repertory, abounding with resplendent melodies to hum on your way home and thoroughly engaging plots. Try out these true masterpieces: Bizet's intoxicating Carmen, opera's most passionate and fiery work set in lively 19th century Seville; Puccini's romantic La bohème, a story of sheer youthful optimism that served as an inspiration for the musical Rent; another Puccini great, Madama Butterfly , a heart-wrenching and beautifully exotic opera about devotion, sacrifice, and unrequited love; and Verdi's immortal La traviata , a passionate and heartbreaking story of faithful love which includes some of opera's most beautiful music.
THE NEXT STEP
You've been to the opera a couple of times before and are ready for the next level. Perhaps a well-known opera updated by a City Opera director or a less familiar opera by a celebrated composer. First, we'd recommend you consider Jonathan Miller's production of Donizetti's The Elixir of Love . Updated to 1950s America, this lively production resembles an Edward Hopper painting, complete with Ford Fairlanes, soda jerks, and pompadours. Another recommendation is City Opera's new production of Così fan tutte , Mozart's profound Italian comedy about love, lies, and constancy which, scientifically examines whether women are by nature faithful.
I saw Cosi fan tutte and in my opinion it is not a good opera for someone that is not a huge fan of opera, not as exciting as other operas...
I agree, but I also didn't like the "message" of that opera. I guess I'm a bit of a feminist 
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| Posted 9/14/06 1:42 PM |
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MissJones
I need a nap!
Member since 5/05 22134 total posts
Name:
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
La Boheme is the opera I have ALWAYS wanted to see.
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| Posted 9/14/06 6:05 PM |
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Ophelia
she's baaccckkkk ;)
Member since 5/06 23378 total posts
Name:
remember, when Gulliver traveled....
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
I've seen La Boheme and Carmen and I LOVED them both.
I think those are good b/c the stories are kind of well know, so even if you can't understant the words (though there is a translator prompter thing) you still kinda know what is going on b/c the stories are so popular.
I hope you enjoy!!
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| Posted 9/14/06 6:09 PM |
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BaroqueMama
Chase is one!
Member since 5/05 27530 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
Carmen is a great opera to start with if you are not into opera all that much. Everyone knows the music and the story is great.
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| Posted 9/14/06 6:11 PM |
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BaroqueMama
Chase is one!
Member since 5/05 27530 total posts
Name:
me
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
Posted by MrsRbk
I agree, but I also didn't like the "message" of that opera. I guess I'm a bit of a feminist
I took a whole course in college on how the woman always has something horrible happen to her in opera.
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| Posted 9/14/06 6:12 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Opera-Help on deciding one
If you go to the Metropolitan Opera House rather than the NYcity opera I think you will probably have a better experience. They really go all out - many performances at the Met - have live animals (elephants horses etc).
Even if it is not in english there is a little screen in the seat in front of you with english subtitles so you will know exactly what is being said.
My parents have season tickets and good orchestra seats which they will sometimes give us when they can't go - or if they have tickets to something they have seen before.
The met is doing the Magic flute in English this season (If you want the english version you will have to pick that one and not Die Zauberflote which is also the Magic Flute but sung in German)
Out of what is playing at the Met I recommend:
I would recommend:
The barber of Saville - by Rossini
La Boheme - Puccini
Cavalleria Rusticana/Pagliacci
Madama Butterfly - Puccini
The Magic Flute - Mozart
Rigoletto - Verdi
Tosca - Puccini
La Traviata - Verdi
Turandot - Puccini
The first emperor also sounds very interesting it is a First for the Met and is also sung in English - Plus it has Placido Doming who is fabulous in it
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| Posted 9/14/06 7:03 PM |
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