Favourite opera

[ReinerTorheit]

Originally Posted by haydnguy

I really enjoyed the version of Giulio Cesare that came out on CD a couple of years ago. It might not be to some people's taste but I thought it very entertaining.

Which one was that? There are several recordings, and no wonder - it's one of GFH's most enduring works

[sospiro]

My all-time favourite is Simon Boccanegra but my second favourite depends on the mood I'm in.

Usually I prefer opera where the lead role is sung by the baritone or bass voice & I'm not really interested in who the tenor or soprano is as long as they're competent.

I love Boris Godunov in all his orchestrations/versions and Mefistofele will always warm me up on a cold morning. (I walk to work & listen as I walk).

In January I went to Seattle to see Attila (a contrived Tweet if ever there was one) & had a fabulous time. If you think it's a long way to go to see an opera - it is! But I did see three performances, three pre-performance talks & three of the General Director's question & answer sessions so I got a lot of 'bang' for my buck. Or in this case 'bass' for my buck.

Having said that though, I'm currently obsessed with Les Troyens as I'm going to see it in July & the baritone & the bass roles are quite small but it does have one of my favourite bass arias.

YouTube



(Forgotten how to post YouTubes - I copy the YouTube url, click on the icon above & paste but it doesn't work)

[James C. Fretz]

Dear Anna, you ask an extremely difficult question; but I suspect you knew that from the start. It's tantamount to asking a parent which one of their children they love the most. It can't be done (under most circumstances); and then, too, if it is done one has to wonder how long before the prioritized list will change.

I note that you asked for our Favorite Opera. Singular. That just makes it all the more difficult.

At the moment, I'm going to say Les Troyens (Berlioz); but there is a (non-ordered) list which also includes

Elektra

Parsifal

Tristan

Armide (Lully) and

Hippolyte et Aricie (Rameau)

But, gun held to my head? Les Troyens.

[myaskovsky2002]

Lulu and Wozzeck. But I rediscovered a passion for Wagner. The "one" I prefer: Der Ring des Nibelungen. Even if they are 4 operas, I consider this as a unit. One story and shared music among the four of them. Exquisite music and the libretti were written by the composer! I had many versions on DVD, Blu Ray and CD.





Martin