Opera: An Introduction

Learning about any new art form can seem a daunting task at first; however, we hope this guide will help you as you wade into the ocean that is opera.

Opera is a dramatic art form in which the text is (usually) sung throughout. Unlike musicals in the United States, in an opera the dialogue is most often sung along with the songs and ensembles.

No good opera plot can be sensible, for people do not sing when they are feeling sensible.
~W. H. Auden

To learn more about the history of opera we suggest this article called "A Brief History of Opera" written by Opera America. We couldn't have said it better ourselves.


Opera Terminology

Act - a major division of a dramatic performance
Aria - a song for solo voice in an opera, operetta or oratorio, usually explores how one is feeling and pauses dramatic action
Baritone - the middle male vocal category (lower than a tenor but higher than a bass), famous baritone roles include: Figaro (The Barber of Seville), Rigoletto (Rigoletto)
Bass - the lowest male vocal category, many bass roles are associated with characters of authority or comedy, famous bass roles: Sarastro (The Magic Flute), Boris (Boris Godunov)
Bel Canto - Italian for "beautiful singing"
Chorus - a group of singers usually divided into sections based on vocal category, the chorus is often used for crowd scenes and to play minor characters
Contralto - the lowest female vocal category, famous contralto roles: Prioress (Dialogues of the Carmelites), Lucretia (The Rape of Lucretia)
Diva - a female opera star, often used to describe a demanding or fussy opera star
Encore - a repeat performance, usually requested (demanded) by the audience
Ensemble - a musical number performed by two or more performers (duet, trio, quartet, quintet, etc)
Falsetto - the high part of the male voice that sounds like the female voice
Intermission - breaks between the major divisions of a dramatic performance (act)
Libretto - Italian for "little book", the text of an opera
Maestro - Italian for "master", a title of courtesy to conductors, composers and directors
Mezzo-Soprano - the middle female vocal category (lower than a soprano but higher than a contralto), famous mezzo-soprano roles: Carmen (Carmen), Cinderella (La cenerentola)
Overture - the orchestral introduction to an opera, usually introduces the musical theme of the opera
Pants Role - a young male character who is sung by a woman, usually a mezzo-soprano, meant to imitate the sound of a boy whose voice has not yet changed, famous pants roles: Cherubino (The Marriage of Figaro), Ottavian (Der Rosenkavalier)
Prima Donna - Italian for "first lady", the female star of an opera
Recitative - dialogue which is sung, recitative is used to move the plot along
Soprano - the highest female vocal category, often the female lead, famous soprano roles: Tosca (Tosca), Brunnhilde (The Ring Cycle)
Tenor - the highest male vocal category, often the male lead, famous tenor roles: Rodolfo (La boheme), Otello (Otello)
Vibrato - the slight wavering quality in the tone of an opera singer


Music conveys moods and images. 
Even in opera, where plot deal with the structure of destiny, 
it's music, not words that provides power.
~Marcel Marceau

Listening: Where to Start?

With the advent of shows like Britain's Got Talent, it seems like everyone in the world has heard "Nessun dorma," but there is so much more to opera than one famous (too often repeated) aria. In creating this section, we all contributed youtube videos of our favorite opera singers singing our favorite tunes. With opera individual taste is very important. We all tend toward certain pieces of music and certain singers whose interpretations satisfy our soul. These are our favorites. We hope you fall in love with them as we did.
"Si, mi chiamano Mimi" from Puccini's La boheme
Sung by Renata Tebaldi
In this aria, Renata Tebaldi doesn't just transcend into the sweet, beautiful character of Mimi, she elevates Mimi as well.
~Alexandra Reilman
"Things change, Jo" from Adamo's
Little Women
Sung by Joyce DiDonato
Joyce DiDonato not only shows off her amazing range 
and versatility in this aria, 
she also portrays the ecstasy of being in love.
~Erin Hanson


Going to the Opera

What should I wear?

At the opera you will see a wide range of clothing worn from casual to formal. Often on opening nights people will dress up, but you would never be out of place in Sunday best.

What if I'm late?

Most opera houses have a no-seating policy once the act has begun, but you may sit in the lobby area and watch one of the TVs until an appropriate time comes where you can take your seat (usually an intermission). If you have to leave the performance temporarily, kindly follow this procedure as well.

When should I clap?

If you are unsure when it is appropriate to clap, a good rule is to simply follow the lead of the audience at large. However, some guiding principles include clapping at the entrance of the conductor, at the end of an act, or following an aria.

What if I am so inspired by an act or aria that clapping is simply not enough?

Performers love to know when they have done especially well! To show your enthusiasm you can heartily shout "bravo" (for a single male singer), "brava" (for a single female singer) or "bravi" (for an ensemble).

I am going to see a performance of an opera in a language I am unfamiliar with. How will I know what's going on?

Never fear! Most opera houses today offer supertitles above the stage that offer a phrase by phrase translation of what is being said. Also, for a more general concept of the plot of the opera, simply consult your program for a synopsis.

This is America. Why can't you just translate all operas into English?

Sometimes we do! But to answer your question, there are a lot of reasons for this. First of all, as a singer I can attest that English is not the easiest language to sing in. It does not naturally lend itself to the overarching melody in the way that Italian does so magnificently. In any case, English is often difficult enough to understand that opera houses may use supertitles to assist in audience comprehension anyway.

How can I learn more about the opera I am going to see?

As in all art, the more effort you put in to understanding it, the more enhanced your experience will be. To prepare to go to an opera we advise not only reading a synopsis, but listening to famous arias and ensembles from that opera. The more you've heard beforehand the more your ear can "tune in" to the performance. Another way to engage yourself in the performance is to research the performers you are going to see! Most singers have a website where you can learn a little about them and listen to some clips of them singing. Finally, many opera houses offer free lectures an hour prior to performance that will allow you to delve even deeper into the music.

Is there anything else I should I know?

The most important thing is that you silence all noise makers on you and maintain a respectful silence (not talking, humming along, or rustling with paper or wrappers). Opera is a combination of many arts, but it is primarily an aural one. The art of the opera-goer is the art of contemplation of the human voice. Be considerate to those near to you.