Opera is one of the oldest forms of harmonious entertainment, perfectly dating back to the 1500 ' s. And although innumerable fashionable music fans dismiss opera due to extinct and theatrical, opera lovers identify with the timeless appeal of its mellifluous majestry.
If one roof a little deeper turn examining the merits of opera, it ' s undarkened there are plentiful commonalities between our daily lives and this musical genus. Opera, abutting all, is a story. A story of two people in love, a romance gone bad, or possibly a happy ending that warms the heart. Simply put, opera is a reflection of daily life, and something that resonates within all of us.
So just for fun, let ' s look at a list of the Top 10 operas of all time, and a brief plot summary of each. See if you agree! In no particular order, here ' s one man ' s list:
The Marriage of Figaro: A Mozart composition, The Marriage of Figaro is a follow up of sorts to another opera on this list, The Barber of Seville. The story recounts one day ' s worth of events in a Spanish castle, and the tangled love story between a countess, count, and two young subjects who plan to be wed.
Tristan and Isolde: Composed by Richard Strauss, telling the tale of a Cornish prince and an Irish princess who share a timeless passion and ultimately, the same fate.
Carmen: One of the world ' s most performed operas, by French composer Bizet. This story tells the compelling tale of a soldier who falls in love with Carmen, a beautiful factory worker.
Rigoletto: The story of a court jester ' s complicated efforts to save his daughter from the evils of aristocracy, composed by the famous Italian master, Verdi.
Aida: Also by Verdi, a particularly moving story of an ambitious military officer who yearns for Aida, the servant of an Egyptian princess.
La Traviata: Perhaps Verdi ' s most well known work, the title translated means " the woman who strayed ". Two lovers ultimately reunite, but fate takes a hand.
Don Giovanni: Another Mozart composition, Don Giovanni is the story of an unrepetant nobleman who dodges numerous attempts by his enemies to extract revenge.
Barber of Seville: Probably the most popular comic opera of all time, by Italian composer Rossini. The protagonist and local barber, Figaro, helps a local aristocrat win a lady ' s hand.
Tosca: Composed by Puccini, this is the story of a jealous beauty who swears revenge, but is met with dramatic consequences.
Madame Butterfly: Also by Puccini, Madame Butterfly is arguably the best known opera of all time. It tells the tale of a United States Navy lieutenant and his Japanese geisha wife.
Is your favorite opera on this list? If not, go ahead and have a little fun... develop your very own Top 10 List of wonderful opera classics!
