Which is better? A catchy tune or a powerful dramatic monologue? Throughout its history, opera’s form and style has consistently evolved with composers and librettists placing emphasis on different aspects of how they tell stories through opera. Which style do you like best? Which style suits you more than any other? Take the ensuing quiz to find out!
Vincenzo Bellini was born on Nov. 3, 1801 and would go on to be one of the defining composers of an entire era. Bellini’s melodic style was admired by all his contemporaries and even prominent masters such as Verdi and Wagner emulated his style in one way or another. While his operatic output was minimal compared to that of others, {…}
Are you a bookworm interested in opera, but remain a bit scared of whether you might like it or not? As with all forms of art, its great artists are distinguished by their differing styles and approaches to the art form. As in the case with literature, there are different styles that simply might be more appealing to you based {…}
On Friday, the Metropolitan Opera showcased the United States premiere of “Marnie.” This is but the latest in a lengthy history of major premieres for the company, so we thought that we would take a look back at some of those notable moments and operas. How well do you know of the Met’s history of premieres? We hope that after {…}
Luciano Pavarotti is one of the most iconic opera stars in history. Born on Oct. 12, 1935, the tenor is a touchstone of popular culture, even for those who have never gone to an opera. In honor of Pavarotti’s legend, here is an opera quiz that tests you on how much you really remember about the great tenor.
We are days away from the birthday of the great Giuseppe Verdi. Born on Oct. 9 or 10, 1813 (we’ll never really know), the composer is arguably the most renowned in the world of opera and undoubtedly the greatest in Italy’s history. He was so beloved in his time that his burial ceremony remains the most attended public event in {…}
Singers sharing birthdays is quite coming. Seeing three singers of the same exact voice type with similar repertoire sharing birthday? Rare. Seeing two of those very baritones, often considered among the greatest ever, born on the same exact day? Rarer still. And yet here we are. Ettore Bastianini and Cornell MacNeil were born on the same day, and Pablo Elvira, {…}
Andrea Bocelli is one of the most famous tenors in the world. While not the traditional opera singer Bocelli’s singing has remained a touchstone of popular culture. He himself has made many appearances on the opera stage throughout his career and his career remains one of the most prolific in history. Here is a quiz commemorating many of his achievements.
Anna Netrebko is the opera world’s reigning diva, her vocal and dramatic skills the subject of great admiration worldwide. The soprano, whose birthday is just days away, has become somewhat of an operatic icon, even landing on Time Magazine’s Top 100 list a few years back. She is set for a busy 2018-19 season, starting with her first “Aida” performances {…}
You know the old adage: If you want something done right, Google it. And if you want something translated right, Google Translate it. Hang on… that’s not quite right, is it? Music and words go together like peanut butter and jelly, Pavarotti and “Nessun dorma,” Maria Callas and “Casta diva.” So naturally, we decided to submit your favorite arias to the {…}
Richard Tucker is one of the greatest tenors in history. Born on August 28, 1931, a great part of his career took place at the Metropolitan Opera. He not only made impact for his incredible vocal abilities, but continues to impact the opera world to this day throughout his Richard Tucker Foundation. In honor of the famed tenor, here is {…}