Any Opera Fans?

[TerrorDæmonum]

Today I finally have the complete recordings of the Cycle of Der Ring des Nibelungen.

(For those who are practicing German and are unfamiliar with it, that is "the Ring of the Nibelung". Nibelung is singular.)

Die Walküre arrived today and I'm set.

But for some reason, those I tell of this in person don't seem to excited. The most common question is "are you going to listen to it?" of all things. It is a bizarre thing.

Although, telling LotR fans that it is about a magical ring made by a dwarf with stolen (Rhein)gold which is the object of desire of a very powerful being (Wotan) who is attempting to obtain it after losing it to a lesser being (giants) and that a mortal (Siegfried) kills the giant and keeps the ring for himself and he has a lover who is a Valkyrie who gives up her immortality for her love for him piques their interest.

[Vox Clara]

I think that's wonderful, Pæniteo. Not everyone appreciates Wagner it seems. I admit I prefer Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini. But I'd happily listen to the Ring Cycle.

[TerrorDæmonum]

Thanks.

I wouldn't say any particular opera is my favourite, but in this case, obtaining the complete Cycle was not as straightforward as getting copies of other operas.

It is 24 full LPs in four boxes. Obtaining all of it in the condition desired was a bit of a task, and, in total, not cheap (but not particularly expensive). So I have particular anticipation as I bought the first of the set locally, and then sought out the rest online, and the final set had to be ordered by mailing a cheque to the seller and waiting for him to get it, deposit it, and then ship.

Tomorrow, I might obtain an opera by Vivaldi, but that will be a lot easier. There is a nice store nearby which has a lot of good stuff.

But I'd happily listen to the Ring Cycle.

I haven't listened through the records yet, but my turntable is manual, and it will require dedicated time to listen to each one, as it will be broken up by switching records.

The records are arranged for a record changer, but I'd never use one of those, so it is going to be some careful record handling.

[LausTibiChriste]

I'm not a massive fan (prefer the symphonies) , but I really enjoy going to watch it at these majestic theatres, all dressed up, with my wife.

We saw Don Giovanni at the Estates Theatre in Prague (where it was premiered by Mozart himself back in 1787)... That was fantastic.

Seen a few others but that one takes the cake.

We're dying to go to a show at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow one day.

[Melkor]

Not really an opera fan. Like Laus, I prefer symphonies. I have read the story of Siegfried though, it's really sad.

[Bernadette]

I like opera. Haven't gone since college, but I did enjoy it.

[maryslittlegarden]

I like opera. Haven't gone since college, but I did enjoy it.

Yeah.... that is my experience as well.  Would massively love to see the Ring cycle performed.  Puccini tends to be my favorite for opera.

[Jayne]

I don't usually like opera.  One the other hand, I am a big fan of Gilbert and Sullivan's works which some categorize as opera.  Personally, I call them operettas.

[TerrorDæmonum]

I'm not a massive fan (prefer the symphonies) ,

I listen to concerti the most if one were to take a personal survey.

but I really enjoy going to watch it at these majestic theatres, all dressed up, with my wife.

Do you wear opera pumps and use opera glasses?

[LausTibiChriste]

I'm not a massive fan (prefer the symphonies) ,

I listen to concerti the most if one were to take a personal survey.

but I really enjoy going to watch it at these majestic theatres, all dressed up, with my wife.

Do you wear opera pumps and use opera glasses?

No, I'm normal.

[Heinrich]

I love Enrico Palazzo.

[aquinas138]

I love opera; I didn't really get into it until about 3 years ago, but I've been borderline obsessed since. I prefer Italian opera to German, particularly bel canto. I particularly enjoy listening to historical recordings and noting the differences in the way opera has been conducted and sung over the last century-plus.

[TerrorDæmonum]

I particularly enjoy listening to historical recordings and noting the differences in the way opera has been conducted and sung over the last century-plus.

I have my eye on a complete set of 78s from the 20s of a performance of a particular opera. The set isn't cheap and would have to be shipped and 78s are easily broken, but I'm tempted.

[The Curt Jester]

I enjoy the overtures.  When the singing starts, it's may or may not drive me away.  In general, however, I do not appreciate operatic singing.

[TerrorDæmonum]

I enjoy the overtures.  When the singing starts, it may or may not drive me away. 

Do you also watch the intro credits on movies and then stop watching?

In general, however, I do not appreciate operatic singing.

To close to home, eh?