Opera dvd recommendation please

[GlassHeart1]

Anyone knowledgeable in opera? Looking for a gift idea for a friend who likes opera but as far as I know doesn't have any dvds.

Please inspire me.

Tickets would be better.

I know there are countless videos - but it honestly doesn’t compare to being in the auditorium. (That may be why they don’t have any!)

(Tickets need not be horrendously expensive. All the small scale festivals or conservatoire performances will be comparable in price to a set of DVDs.)

Alternatively, tickets to live screened performances might be an idea. Infinitely better than watching opera on a little screen at home.)

Yes, I think you are right, it's the total experience. Like personally i like theatre but not so much cinema.

Hmmm, tricky.

Definitely tickets to a performance or a filmed performance, if there isn’t a recording your friend would like. I love opera and it wouldn’t occur to me to buy a DVD.

Look up English Touring Opera's spring tour and see if they're doing anything within striking distance of where your friend is. Or Glyndebourne Touring.

I think either Madam Butterfly or Tosca would be a great choice .
I’d be delighted to get either .
If you were going to take the advice and treat her to a live experience going alone isn’t much fun imo . Two tickets rather pricey .

The Glyndebourne DVD of Cosi fan tutte with Miah Persson, Luca Pisaroni et al is glorious. A wonderful cast, perfect staging - it has everything.

Depends what type of opera she likes or what kind of singer, too. Do you know if she likes Mozart or Handel, or does she like Sopranos or Baritones...? If you can give me a little more info to work with I can help out a bit more.

Good grief!

Whatever you decide make it something written in the 21st century! (Unless Hensher/AdèsPowder Her Face.)

I have that one @JuneFromBethesda.

Also the Bryn Terfel Marriage of Figaro!

But I agree with @justilou1, find out (subtly) what she likes.

Thank you all, I think I will go for Mozart, didn't want anything too dramatic as she has been through a bad patch recently.

My offer to her to go and see opera live is permanently open but we both have chaotic family and work commitments and it's proving difficult.

Mozart is so joyous! I don’t think you can go wrong with the Magic Flute, Cosi van Tutti, the Marriage of Figaro, or the Abduction from the Seraglio. They are all light, amusing and have great endings. Mozart was also a MASSIVE feminist, and not enough has been written about that. He genuinely respected them, and their intelligence always led them to triumph over the stupid men who thought they were in charge. If you look for Natalie Dessay or Diana Damrau, people tend to love their modern takes.

Thank you @justilou1
Just spotted Magic Flute in on at Christmas Day on BBC 4 at 7pm, will be watching!

How about tickets to one of those love from the met at the cinema, they're really great and possibly less of a hassle than actually going to the theatre, if you're both busy

Thank u @Marmighty, I never knew they did that, definitely will consider!