THE OPERA PAGE

IS UNDER MAJOR CONSTRUCTION

The human voice
is the most
beautiful instrument
especially
if it is trained
to attain
its full potential.

Opera
is drama set to music
to combine
the beauty of prose
with the beauty of music
to create a special
powerful expression
of raw emotion.

You must try it
before you can realize
its ultimate attraction
to your sensitivity
to glorious sound.

My purpose
for this page
is to guide you,
as it were,
to a new appreciation of
the wonder of opera
and your experience
in pure sensual joy.

Give it a chance
to enrich
your consciousness
and to
enhance your pleasure
for a lifetime!

MY FIRST TASTE OF OPERA

I was twelve years old
and my brother
had just returned home from
his enlistment in the Navy
during World War II.

One of the many things
he picked up in his travels was
an appreciation for opera.

He forced me to sit still
and listen to his favorite
Madame Butterfly.

I sat still
(he was bigger than I)
but that was
all
I was going to do!

I was certainly
not
going to listen!

The Love Duet was
my coup de grace!

I couldn�t understand
the words in Italian
but I understood
the meaning of love.

I could actually
feel
everything
they
were feeling!

Tears of joy
streamed down my cheeks
and I was hooked
forever!

My love of opera
grew quickly
and continues
to grow to this day.

I learned how to read libretto
which increased my pleasure
because I knew then
what they were singing
in English.

I discovered
my own favorites.

I love the tenor
the soprano
and the mezzo-soprano!

My favorite opera,
and the one I recommend
the beginner start with is
Verdi�s IL Trovatore.

IL Trovatore
has a fantastic story plot
passionate music
and truly melodic arias!

I do not like
heavy, oppressive opera
although I appreciate
its intended objective.

I very much prefer
the melodious operas
with highly charged solos, duets
and the more intricate blends
of the human voice ranges.

May I respectfully suggest
that you begin your journey
with a highly informative page.

THE OPERA WEB
A veritable treasure
of information and sound!

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