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Writer's pictureDaiyao Zhong

Is There a Right Way to experience Opera?

"If a piece simply aims to tell a story well, and you are moved or provoked by it, then it has succeeded."


I first became acquainted with the art form of opera during high school while I was in the school choir. Our choir required us to take individual professional lessons, and my teacher, an older opera singer, introduced me to many works. He recommended a secluded audio store under a bridge nearby that sold pirated discs for about 4 yuan each. I picked several based on familiar names and attractive covers. One of these was the 2010 Met production of Carmen. After sitting quietly and watching three hours of opera, I was stunned. Just like Don José in "The Flower Song," I had only one wish—I wanted to be the person standing on that stage.


Many years have passed since then, but when people ask how to appreciate opera, I always say: "If a piece simply aims to tell a story well, and you are moved or provoked by it, then it has succeeded."



Art may transcend life, but it always originates from life; it's about the everyday stories happening around us. It's not as obscure as you might think—often, it just wants to tell you a story. Opera is like a dream—absurd, dramatic, exaggerated, crazy, and even melodramatic...


You might think, how could I possibly relate to such stories?


But when Rodolfo screams Mimi's name at the end; when Violetta says, "I feel revived," before dying in Alfredo's arms; when Don José places the ring back on Carmen's finger after he has killed her; when Amneris prays for Radamès, the man she loves who betrayed his country for his enemy...


That sadness and pain are real, like watching a lover walk away in the rain, deleting an ex you can't forget from your phone, or hoping someone who’s gone is doing well. The audience experiences a long-forgotten dream with the characters, waking up either enlightened or in tears.


(The above mainly describes Verismo (realism) operas, but there are also comic operas, so don’t think all operas are this heavy based on the previous section!!!)


Now, let’s get to the point—how do you actually appreciate opera? Some say it's boring, hard to understand, or they can’t comprehend the lyrics. What are they trying to say? Why is it all about love?


Why is opera so boring to me?


In French, there's a saying, chacun à son goût (to each their own). Just like movies, not all operas will appeal to everyone. You wouldn’t dismiss all movies just because you didn’t like your first film, right? If you find an opera boring, maybe you didn’t quite get it yet, or perhaps it just wasn’t the right pick for you. Yes, even we opera singers find some operas boring and lengthy, but when we perform, we are fully engaged, constantly praying not to forget our lines and eagerly waiting for our cues.

Why is opera so hard to understand?

A big issue for many is not knowing what’s happening. Do your homework! Don’t you check the synopsis before watching a movie? Opera is spoiler-proof; even if you know what will happen, the powerful live orchestration and stage effects will still wow you. Many opera synopses are complicated or lengthy, but usually it only takes less than 10 mins to learn the plot!


Why can’t I understand what they're singing?


I often don’t understand either unless it’s an opera I’ve studied or heard many times. But don't worry—we have subtitles in the theater and for online resources! Isn’t that more user-friendly than most musicals? Also, opera music serves the narrative—if the music quickens, something is about to happen; if it’s light, the characters are likely happy; if it’s somber, they’re in agony.


(This isn't always true, some composers use music contrarily to portray inner emotions, like Donizetti in "Una furtiva lagrima," where even in a minor key, the male lead isn't sad but actually quite pleased.)


Why is it all about love?


Love is a unique emotion that permeates our entire lives, making them passionate and meaningful. Would you rather watch an opera about the news or legal issues? Here’s a scene from the movie Dead Poets Society discussing poetry, but the same applies to music:



In the end, returning to our article’s title, is there a right way to open up to opera? The answer is:


There is no right way, just follow your heart.


You can dress up and see La Traviata at the Metropolitan Opera House, or wear slippers and pajamas while blasting Cavalleria Rusticana at home, or eat dinner while watching The Barber of Seville on your laptop... Chacun à son goût!


So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of opera!

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