to not 'get' Opera?

[ChaosTrulyReigns]

I like all sorts of music, but I really can not learn to appreciate the genre that I perceive as caterwauling.

Is this a life skill to be able to appreciate all things cultural?

Or am I just too young, and it's something I'll learn to enjoy as I drift slowly to my twiglet years?

Is there a starter for numpties?

Listen to Mozart's Requiem

It's amazing!

Oh and I am in my thirties and have always loved opera - not just for oldies!

You could start by listening to bits that you might know already. Like the Anvil Chorus or Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves. I think they've both been on adverts.

To start with Mozart or Handel operas might be a good idea as they're a bit less "shouty" than other ones. Or you could try some Gilbert and Sullivan, which has the added benefit of also being in English.

It's an absolute din. I'm sorry but that God awful voice that they put on just has me flying across the kitchen for the off switch.

Oh I second the magic flute!
I very first got to love 'La Boheme' (Puccini) so I have to say start with that, it's got some beautiful lilting arias and the story is quite affecting.....sniff....oh I love it!

I think it's worth getting on DVD rather than just listening to opera if you're new to it. I watched it over and over as a teenager and I think being really familiar with the words helps you enjoy the music.

Don't think you can lump all opera together as one thing that you like or don't like. One written in the 17th century is going to be pretty different from something written in the 19th or 21st.

If you don't like the sound of the classically trained voice then you are going to struggle but maybe you could have a go at a greatest arias type collection because at least the tunes are going to be good, which might help you get past it sounding like caterwauling.

I am a classical music person, and frankly quite a lot of it does sound like caterwauling.

Also, opera is a completely different animal in the flesh - I think if you were to go to one in the threatre you would have a much better chance of getting it - sights as well as sounds.

Have tried. Hate it. You are not alone, Chaos.

And I'm bloody cultured, me.

I do know that it can be hard to get into, but when it works, it's like nothing else - because of the music all the emotion is so heightened, and it can be so thrilling......films and the spoken word seem to be missing something and be a little pedestrian when I've been having an opera craze

I've loved opera almost all my life. That gets me a few odd looks in certain company (a working class woman liking something as seemingly elitist as opera?!).

It's not just music, it's colourful drama, power, passion.

A starter? Carmen. :)

well of course you have Vallhala with a name like that

An opera lover once explained to me that it's all about how deeply an emotion is expressed. I've enjoyed it since then. I like a good emote.

I am not a classical /opera person at all but someone gave me an opera CD and I dutifully listened and to my suprise found myself loving the following,and I am a Philistine but love most music:

Delibes "Flower Duet"
Puccini "O Mio Babino Caro"
Puccini"Un Bel Di Vedromo"
Saint-Saens"Mon Coeur S'ouvre a ta voix"

I think you will probably have heard them all but I never thought would like them (am rock chick at heart).I have even downloaded them to I-pod they are on my chillled playlist.I love all kinds of music but had balked at opera.Its growing on me.Must be getting old,:o

I second and third the Magic Flute. We saw it at the Royal Opera House earlier this year - first opera we've ever been to - and it was one of the most beautiful experiences I've ever had. It was like watching an old master painting come to life and the voices were sublime. I was truly moved.

How can anyone not appreciate the Queen of the Night aria 'Der Hölle Rache'?? It makes everything I have stand on end

great post, FriedSpam you put it really well.

Hate that people think Opera is for 'posh' or old people. We shouldn't limit ourselves like that, it's for everyone.

The Shawshank Redemption is on again tonight. I love that scene where he plays an operatic aria to the inmates. That was beautiful.

Does anyone else like Carry On films?

Thanks everyone for your ideas.

Yes, I know it's a bit nonsensical lumping all opera together, but really I have never met an opera that I like.

I shall have a look at The Magic Flute, thanks MDS.

I may be culturable, after all.

. Understated - but the way the two voices weave in and out of each other gives me goosebumps.

x post with BoF while searching for the link - this is the one they use in the Shawshank Redemption iirc.

Yes, that's the one in Shawshank.

I think posters should end their posts on this thread with their age.

That would be interesting, non?

You start.

I am 39 (old bastard emoticon)