Sheilaz Posted June 2, 2005 Share Posted June 2, 2005 Just a light hearted topic or an education, whichever way you want to see it. Someone mentioned a dislike of opera in the welcome questionnaire. It just made me think that I would have said the same, all my life, right up until 4 years ago. The point is, I would have said I disliked it, even though I'd never been to a real live performance. Now that I have been I want to leap to its defence and also can't wait to go again. Please don't dismiss a whole artform, unless you know you really don't like theatre, music etc. or have been & still hated it! I was always put off by "screeching, pointless voices". My turning point was that my bro, who works in theatre, has become involved in opera and we, his fanclub, went to see one in Munich, where he had designed the set & costumes. We loved it!!! OK we were biased, but it wasn't one of the well known ones, it was sung in Italian but with subtitles on a screen. In German. But it was amazing. I think the crucial factor was that my brother met us that day & explained the whole plot & characters to us, at a level suitable for a 5 year old. It helps. Oh, & we had a 5 year old with us, & 13 yr old too. We all loved it. Last year we went to Austria where he had designed & directed too. We all had to shout Bravo!!! at the applause, & again, it was well worth it. Really enjoyable experience, great singing, highly recommended. Well, if its a good production of course. Have I persuaded anyone? I'll be disappointed if you all view the topic & don't respond! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted June 3, 2005 Share Posted June 3, 2005 Ummmmm... I have to admit I haven't ever seen a live performance and have told Carl I might go and see Don Giovani (one of the lighter operas) but I really don't like all the bits I have heard so far Carl and I like quite different music but one area where we both agree is Classical so any radio listened to is Classic FM or Radio 3 (with some Radio 4 thrown in!) Twelve years of snippets on Classic FM have not changed my mind, Radio 3 plays longer pieces or the whole thing and I haven't managed to even try that TV versions have left me cold I've had to come to terms with Shakepeare plays since meeting Carl, I've lived around Stratford all my life - Carl comes from Cheshire and when we met he had seen lots of his plays - I'd seen one I've managed that and even went to King Lear last year - four hours but Opera?......... Perhaps your brother could arrange a performance, complete with personal guide, as an Omlet outing just to try and convince us? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted June 3, 2005 Share Posted June 3, 2005 Sheila, I have to admit that you've got a point. While I would never have put myself down as an opera hater I have to confess to being totally disinterested and quite dismissive of it, and that's probably extremely unfair. My Dad used to love opera, and had several LP's that he'd play at home, but we all dismissed it as boring Dad and his screechy fat ladies, that impression has stayed with me and I've never given it a fair go. In my defence, Mum, at the same time was listening to Neil Diamond... and I don't like him either. But at the time these judgements were formed I was listening to the Bay City Rollers Maybe it's time to give it a go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted June 3, 2005 Share Posted June 3, 2005 I like opera (and Shakespeare, Lesley!!). My parents have always played me classical music from an early age so it's seeped in! My favourite is Puccini's La Boheme closely followed by Mozart's The Magic Flute. I've never seen a live opera - LSH just isn't interested but I've seen Romeo and Juliet, Richard the III and Henry IV Part One on stage and loved them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted June 3, 2005 Share Posted June 3, 2005 Errrr .... NO . Sorry ... like the odd bit of Shakespeare and theatrical stuff, but definately WITHOUT the singing in a funny language. Sheila and Kate ... enjoy the performance, I'll wait in the Bar. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted June 3, 2005 Share Posted June 3, 2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jill Posted June 3, 2005 Share Posted June 3, 2005 Sorry, have been to live performances (note the plural) and still don't like it - I'll meet you in the bar Sarah Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 3, 2005 Share Posted June 3, 2005 ... see Lesley .. I will not be sat on my own ...., pass the corkscrew someone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted June 3, 2005 Share Posted June 3, 2005 Now thats even funnier, I just went under a stage name of "guest" , or is that "Guess" . Sorry peeps ... Graham did some dodgy downloading ... and reconfig'd the comp', so I have had to reset everything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted June 3, 2005 Author Share Posted June 3, 2005 But even using your stage name of guest, we still recognised you Sarah! Look, its champagne reception, opera, champagne interval, opera, backstage party. OK? Now Jill, it must depend on the production too. The 2 that I saw were complete shows, acted rather than sung on one spot, and lots going on. OK I'm biased. Mind you, I think he's doing one soon, in London, with a working title of 3 screaming lesbians. I might be in the bar for that one. But there should be another good Munich one next year I think. I'll tell you later, I can tell you're all fascinated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted June 3, 2005 Share Posted June 3, 2005 I love Shakespeare I like wine better though But I am planning to go to the Globe theatre this summer, cheap seats only 5 pounds right in front of the stage (but sitting on the ground- under the roofless bit) Got to be a bargain- in good weather Has anyone else been Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted June 4, 2005 Author Share Posted June 4, 2005 I love Shakespeare I like wine better though I'm sure you can combine the two Hope you enjoy the Globe, what play will you see? I've been to the globe, there was an excellent guided tour (best to avoid high days & holidays if you can). I still haven't seen a performance there, you've just reminded me! I had intended to go with daughter one year but that season was a bit heavy & I didn't want to put her off. Now the time has disappeared & I haven't got around to it. Somethinmg else to look forward to. We took same daughter to Hamlet locally, a touring company. Would have been better if one of the main characters hadn't had a very strong French accent. We didn't have a clue what was going on, just couldn't understand him. He even lapsed into French by mistake and daughter gave up completely. A shame because I think his nerve had gone & it had a knock on effect on the rest of the cast. Maybe a comedy next time? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted June 4, 2005 Share Posted June 4, 2005 ... see Lesley .. I will not be sat on my own ...., pass the corkscrew someone. Sarah - even I will be at the bar with you! - pass the OJ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OliviaDavies Posted June 10, 2005 Share Posted June 10, 2005 Never thought I would admit it, but I am complete hooked on Pavarotti!! Having been a ardent David Bowie fan all my life I am shocked But my idea of heaven is lying in my pool, candles alight, listening to Pavarotti - hope I don't sound too loony saying this, but I really love his voice (not sure about him as a person though!!). Not sure I should have admitted to this!!! Olivia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted June 10, 2005 Share Posted June 10, 2005 I would feel just the same if it were Bryn Terfel singing while I was in the bath (on the CD player, not in person ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted June 10, 2005 Author Share Posted June 10, 2005 8) Amazing voices, I agree. Thanks for joining in Olivia, fellow convert & Bowie fan! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SarahJo Posted June 10, 2005 Share Posted June 10, 2005 Sheila ... you are up and coming for promotion on the forum, only another 39 postings. Still not into opera ... so can I go back to the bar now please. . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted June 10, 2005 Share Posted June 10, 2005 Yuk! - twice (to Olivia and Kate - not Sheila and Sarah!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OliviaDavies Posted June 10, 2005 Share Posted June 10, 2005 Oh Lesley, hope you will still send me the anti-wormy powder now I have admitted to liking Pavarotti and David Bowie !!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted June 10, 2005 Share Posted June 10, 2005 Just tell her that you love Einoudi (even if you don't ) - that'll do it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheilaz Posted June 10, 2005 Author Share Posted June 10, 2005 Oh Lesley, hope you will still send me the anti-wormy powder now I have admitted to liking Pavarotti and David Bowie !!!! I can just see this sentence being quoted in the next Omlet newsletter. Its one of those things that makes sense if you have read the other thread, but, out of context, sounds as if those 2 singers have an unfortunate medical problem. Which Olivia has promised to cure. With Lesley's help. We'd better keep this out of the tabloids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OliviaDavies Posted June 10, 2005 Share Posted June 10, 2005 oooooops !!!!!! Apologies to David Bowie and Pavarotti !! Olivia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OliviaDavies Posted June 10, 2005 Share Posted June 10, 2005 By the way, Kate, who on earth is Einoudi when he's at home?!!!! Olivia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OliviaDavies Posted June 10, 2005 Share Posted June 10, 2005 sorry, just realised I keep sending three messages, don't know how or why - as I said before I am a complete computer dork Don't worry Olivia - I have waved my magic wand now and all but one have vanished!! - Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley Posted June 10, 2005 Share Posted June 10, 2005 Olivia, there was no need to post three times just because you don't know who he is It might help if Kate could spell EINAUDI but never mind Einaudi is a contemporary Classical pianist or according to Kate, he plays 'plinky plonky' piano music I can still speak to you over Bowie but Pavarotti?? And I can't send the powder if you don't give me your address Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
