How to get hooked on opera. (and GOTV to preserve culture and civilization in the U.S.)

[usonian]

https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-get-hooked-on-opera-and-lose-yourself-in-its-magic

A great article. My favorite on this web page is the "Te Deum" from Tosca. A mockery of religion by a brutal villain, who gets his comeuppance by a brilliant and talented woman (sound familiar? ... no spoiler)

They left out one of the most heavenly arias ever. Casta Diva from "Norma" by Bellini. If this aria doesn't ... Oh well.

Here's a performance by Renée Fleming, in Saint Petersburg, a reminder that culture dies when tone-deaf autocrats take over!!

Maria Callas' rendition is unmatched. Go find it.
BRAVA!

A comparison is here.
https://interlude.hk/the-best-performances-casta-diva-by-vincenzo-bellini/

For beginners (and seasoned opera lovers) Carmen by Bizet.
And check out the movie "Carmen Jones" with Harry Belafonte, Dorothy Dandridge, Pearl Bailey, Olga James and others. The music is identical to Bizet with modern lyrics and setting. (no spoilers)

For advanced opera lovers, "The Marriage of Figaro" by Mozart. (for another post)

TONIGHT, the ending to Wagner's Ring Cycle. Gotterdammerung.
TWILIGHT OF THE GODS.
I LOVE IT. Greedy gods see their Valhalla go up in flames.



The above is an artist's rendition of a french fry cooker fire by an incompetent person.
The author advocates for fire safety and against arson or bumbling idiots in the kitchen.




https://live365.com/station/Bianco-s-Opera-Lounge-a27807

The Clemens Krauss Ring Cycle continues this Saturday with Gotterdammerung at 7pm PST and of course preceded by our fantastic and fun Tiki Lounge at 5pm PST.

Get your Mai Tai's ready.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

1. Wow... imagine opening your mouth and having that sublime sound come out!

[usonian]

2. I can't.

I'm a bass-baritone, emphasis on the bass. But those magnificent voices and music send me to heaven, while I am still alive.

What a gift!

Enjoy this wonderful music and fantastic performers. One of life's greatest joys.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

3. I can't either, LOL! Can't carry a tune in a bucket.

My father was an opera fan and I grew up listening to it. Will always have a soft spot for it.

[Aristus]

4. Me too.

Any time I want to get my opera on, I like to sing Wotan’s apostrophe to Valhalla from Das Rheingold. The goal is to do a glissando on “Hehre, herrlicher Bau!” like George London.

Every other bass-baritone except one just does a simple octave jump in the phrase. George London was one of a kind. Too bad he was such a jerk.

The exception is Greer Grimsley, who also did a glissando in the 2012 Seattle Opera Ring Cycle. He’s the only one who has ever come close to George London in the role of Wotan. I’ve got his autograph. I also saw his debut as Telramund in “Lohengrin” back in 1994 or so.

Grimsley’s Wotan opposite Stephanie Blythe’s Fricka is one for the ages…

[usonian]

5. Enjoy your gift. Most us are totally vocally challenged.

I composed a reply but hit some wrong key, so I'll make this short.

I'm a total amateur (more a techie) and enjoy my (finally) improved piano ability.

I'm lost in all this Wagner, but give it a listen.

I hope you have recordings of your favorite artists and performers, before they all become subscription only.

[Aristus]

6. I have four complete recordings of the Ring Cycle.

The original Decca set in stereo with Georg Solti conducting.

The English National Opera Ring from the 1970’s.

Seattle Opera’s 2012 Ring.

And the 1951 La Scala Ring on LP. The sound quality is poor, which is a shame, because IIRC, that was Kirsten Flagstad’s last Brünnhilde.