Do you like the sound of an opera singer?

[SwapTheYforaD]

Generally.

I was in conversation with a young musician recently who admitted it's not really to his taste and I think I agree.

I prefer a 'purer', less wobbly sounding voice but am in awe of what pro opera singers can do.

Even the best opera singers: I'm impressed but not moved. If I am moved it's usually down to the orchestra.

Seeing and hearing a full operatic production is incredible though.

Garsington Opera in Oxfordshire go into local primary and secondary schools and do workshops on an opera. The children then go to the theatre and watch and hear.
A great experience.

Interesting link here mentions different cultural preferences...

www.backstage.com/magazine/article/achieve-flawless-vibrato-7725/

I was taken to a number of opera performances a young teen as well as classical concerts, choral, jazz and went rock gigs.

What moves me the most is classical music, especially early medieval music choral or instrumental, I love it. Even as an 8 year old when I attended my brother's secondary school concert, I was mesmerised.

I found opera ridiculous and tedious. That's just my gut reaction, the exaggerated drama, long drawn out solos the whole sound is not my thing at all. It's all rather self important.

I really dislike opera. But it seems to be held up as high end entertainment for the more discerning and I always feel like a bit of a philistine for admitting that it does nothing for me! I'm not a fan of musicals either though, so I suppose I just don't want to hear people singing when I think they should be talking😅

Went only once and by the end we were exhausted from listening to it. When we hit the lobby we realised it wasn't over - it was just intermission. We left anyway. 😲

I love the arts and work in media/entertainment myself. I have the utmost respect for performers, but it is definitely not for everyone.

Don't feel like a philistine @Tessisme

To me opera is not really sophisticated as I prefer more subtle and authentic (performance) art. I associate opera with people who want to be seen at high culture events and mingle with certain people but I know that some people genuinely love the loud and dramatic action, each to their own, but opera is a bit shallow and garish for my taste.

I don't mind it as long as the 'story' is good but then I am broadminded in my taste of music.

Don't like Chinese Opera, that is just screechy though I was intrigued that it does not have the 'snot' value that ours has. They treat it like soap operas. The floor is full of disgarded monkey nuts, they chatter amongst themselves and turn up when they like. If they know 20 minutes in that a jealous lover stabs someone say, their favourite bit, they come in then!

No, don't need wobble for projection

there is a range of voices, just as in other genre of music.
Most operas are written for sopranos (generally the higher, almost screechy voice, reflecting a violin), mezzo-soprano, contralto.
Men have different ranges too
However, I doubt anyone at the ROH or ENB will be concerned that you dislike their wobbly voices.

I agree. I didn't use to like opera because I found it hard to understand. I went to see Madame Butterfly 🦋 a few weeks ago though and loved it. Beforehand I listened to an audiobook introduction to it and it helped so much. Going in "cold" isn't the same!

Absolurely with you on that! Kiri and Jose and the West Side Story production. Just no!
Kathleen Jenkins, Alfie Boe, et al, stick to what your voice does best, leave the singing of 'pop' to singers with different voices! 😀

Like the voice, recognise the skill and dedication, just don't like opera. So there is a space for someone who does.

You do, in part, to be heard over a full orchestra, but it’s more to do with producing a sound the human ear can distinguish from the sounds of musical instruments — frequency (‘formant’) rather than decibels.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/expert-opera-singer/

https://issuu.com/bostonlyricopera/docs/giulio_cesare_r3_page/s/10637295

Some opera analysts have theorised that Wagnerian ‘heavy’ singing style has somewhat gone out of fashion, and that because of a shift in preference in opera tastes towards the Baroque, some singers are generally adopting a ‘cleaner’, lighter style with less vibrato and chest voice.

"... it's more to do with producing a sound the human ear can distinguish from the sounds of musical instruments — frequency (‘formant’) rather than decibels"

That's really interesting @Dithyramb!

Am I alone in warbling away as I read?

Not overly

I have seem Carmen (is it classed as an opera) and Madam Butterfly it was a beautiful production and I cried and cried

Maria Callas singing O mio babbino caro is so beautiful it makes me feel emotional

Honestly! Also motorbikes reving. It's misophonia apparently 🙈

Sabrent Palestina, Lotti, Vittoria et al? Wondrous stuff! I used to like St Martins in the Fields renditions, but also Westminster boys. Kings are a bit too perfect....

I can't stand it, it really feels like my brain hurts!

I love any music with passion: souls, jazz and mostly classical/opera. I can't listen to pop after something as exciting as this:

Me too , it's so emotional.

I'm seeing Madame Butterfly this week ,I've seen it twice before,just beautiful.

I can't bear her voice,does nothing for me.

I wouldn't choose to listen to most opera at home, except probably the most well known arias, but I went to the opera last summer after a long break thinking I hated it & actually loved it. I think it's much better when you actually see it - as intended - rather than just listening. There are surtitles at the theatre which helps!