How to Cultivate an Appreciation for Opera

Opera, a synthesis of music, drama, and visual art, stands as one of the most profound expressions of human creativity.

For those new to this art form, the journey to appreciation may seem daunting, but with a structured approach, you can develop a deep and lasting love for opera. This guide will lead you through the essential steps to fully engage with and appreciate this rich art form.

Grasp the fundamentals of Opera

What is Opera?

Opera is a dramatic art form that combines singing with orchestral accompaniment, staging, acting, and, at times, dance. Unlike musicals, where spoken dialogue plays a significant role, opera primarily relies on sung text to advance the narrative. It is a genre where the music and drama are inextricably linked, with each reinforcing the other to create an emotionally immersive experience.

Key elements of Opera

• Libretto: The text or script of the opera, usually written in verse. The libretto outlines the plot and dialogue and is as crucial as the music in conveying the opera’s themes.
• Aria: A solo vocal piece, often highlighting a character’s emotional state or pivotal moment in the story. Arias are where the vocal artistry of opera shines most brightly.
• Recitative: A style of delivery that mimics the natural rhythms of speech, used to advance the plot between arias and choruses.
• Chorus: A group of singers who often represent collective entities (crowds, soldiers, villagers) and contribute to the narrative and emotional landscape.
• Overture: The instrumental introduction to an opera, which often contains musical themes that will appear later in the work, setting the tone and mood for what is to come.

Starting points for your journey

Selecting your first Operas

Begin your exploration with operas that have stood the test of time and are frequently performed, known for their accessible music and compelling narratives:

• Puccini’s La Bohème: This opera portrays the struggles and joys of young artists in Paris. Its melodic richness and emotional depth make it an excellent entry point.
• Verdi’s La Traviata: A poignant tale of love and sacrifice, with some of the most beautiful arias in the repertoire.
• Mozart’s The Magic Flute: A blend of fairy tale, philosophy, and magical realism, set to some of the most sublime music ever written.

Familiarise yourself with iconic arias

Listening to well-known arias can help you connect with the emotional core of opera:

• Nessun dorma from Puccini’s Turandot is an anthem of hope and triumph.
• Largo al factotum from Rossini’s The Barber of Seville is a showcase of vocal agility and comic brilliance.

Understand the story and composer

The importance of the libretto

Before experiencing an opera, take the time to read a synopsis or the full libretto. Understanding the plot, characters, and themes in advance allows you to fully appreciate the nuances of the performance. Many opera houses provide surtitles (projected translations) to help you follow the narrative in real time.

Learn about the composer and historical context

Delving into the life and times of the composer can enrich your understanding of the opera’s significance:

• Giuseppe Verdi: His operas often reflect themes of Italian nationalism and human struggle, resonating deeply with the political and social movements of his time.
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: A master of the Classical era, his operas balance emotion, humour, and intricate musicality, offering a window into Enlightenment values.

Experience Opera through performance

Attend live performances

Experiencing opera live is unparalleled. The visceral impact of live voices, the dynamic interaction between singers and orchestra, and the visual spectacle of the staging combine to create an immersive experience.

• Practical Tips: If possible, sit in a central location to fully appreciate the acoustics and staging. If you're new to opera, consider starting with a matinee or a performance with a pre-show lecture.

Watch and listen to recordings

When live performances aren’t accessible, high-quality recordings are an excellent alternative. Many operas are available on DVD, Blu-ray, or streaming platforms, often with subtitles. Audio recordings allow you to focus purely on the music, which can be a meditative experience.

• Suggestions: Start with recordings of renowned performances conducted by maestros like Herbert von Karajan, or sung by legendary voices like Maria Callas or Luciano Pavarotti.

Deepening your engagement

The role of the orchestra

The orchestra in an opera does more than accompany the singers; it enhances the drama, underscores the emotional content, and often has a narrative voice of its own. Listen for how the composer uses different instruments to evoke specific moods or themes.

• Example: In Wagner’s operas, leitmotifs—recurring musical themes—are used to represent characters, ideas, or emotions, creating a complex web of musical storytelling.

Appreciating vocal techniques

Opera singers are trained to project their voices over an orchestra without amplification, using highly refined techniques. Understanding these can enhance your appreciation of their artistry:

• Soprano: The highest female voice, often cast as the heroine. Listen for the clarity and purity of tone.
• Tenor: The highest male voice, typically the hero. Tenors are known for their powerful, emotive delivery.
• Baritone and Bass: Lower male voices, often portraying villains or older, authoritative figures. Notice the richness and depth these voices bring to their roles.

Explore different styles and periods

Opera across eras

Opera has evolved over centuries, with each period offering distinct styles and innovations:

• Baroque (1600-1750): Characterised by elaborate ornamentation and the use of counterpoint (e.g., Handel’s Rinaldo).
• Classical (1750-1820): Focuses on clarity, balance, and form, epitomized by the works of Mozart.
• Romantic (19th Century): Emphasises emotion and drama, with composers like Verdi and Wagner pushing the boundaries of orchestration and harmony.
• Modern and Contemporary (20th Century-Present): Features experimentation with tonality, form, and subject matter, as seen in works by Benjamin Britten and Philip Glass.

Operas in various languages

Opera is performed in many languages, most commonly Italian, German, French, and Russian. Each language brings its nuances to the music and text. Listening to operas in their original language, with subtitles if needed, can enhance your appreciation of the composer’s intentions and the libretto’s poetic qualities.

Learn through interaction

Join Opera societies and discussion groups

Engaging with others who share your interest can greatly enrich your understanding. Opera societies often host events, discussions, and lectures that provide deeper insights into the works being performed.

• Examples: Many cities have local opera appreciation groups, and there are numerous online forums and communities where enthusiasts discuss their favourite performances, singers, and recordings.

Attend educational events

Many opera houses offer pre-performance talks, backstage tours, and educational workshops. These can provide valuable context about the opera’s history, themes, and production processes.

• Tip: Look for masterclasses or lectures by experts in the field, which can deepen your understanding of specific operas or aspects of operatic performance.

Develop patience and persistence

Allow your appreciation to grow

Opera is a multifaceted art form, and it may take time to fully appreciate its complexities. Don’t be discouraged if your initial experiences are challenging; like any sophisticated art form, opera reveals more of its beauty and depth over time.

• Repeated Listening: Revisiting operas you’ve already experienced can often lead to new discoveries and a deeper emotional connection.

Use additional resources

Books and documentaries

There are numerous resources available that can provide background and context to your opera experience. Consider reading books that explore the history, key works, and major figures in opera.

• Recommended Reading: Opera 101 by Fred Plotkin offers an excellent introduction for newcomers, while The Grove Book of Operas provides detailed synopses and analyses of major operas.

Online resources

Websites like OperaVision, YouTube, and Met Opera on Demand offer free and subscription-based access to a wealth of performances, interviews, and educational content. Use these platforms to explore different productions and interpretations of the same opera.

Enjoy the Journey & Share your passion

The process of learning to appreciate opera is as much about personal growth as it is about understanding the art form. Celebrate each new discovery—whether it’s a melody that moves you, a performance that captivates you, or a historical fact that deepens your understanding.

As you develop your appreciation, share your experiences with others. Whether through conversation, writing, or attending performances together, sharing opera can enhance your enjoyment and help spread appreciation for this timeless art form.