How to get hooked on opera. (and GOTV to preserve culture and civilization in the U.S.)

[usonian]

https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-get-hooked-on-opera-and-lose-yourself-in-its-magic

A great article. My favorite on this web page is the "Te Deum" from Tosca. A mockery of religion by a brutal villain, who gets his comeuppance by a brilliant and talented woman (sound familiar? ... no spoiler)

They left out one of the most heavenly arias ever. Casta Diva from "Norma" by Bellini. If this aria doesn't ... Oh well.

Here's a performance by Renée Fleming, in Saint Petersburg, a reminder that culture dies when tone-deaf autocrats take over!!

Maria Callas' rendition is unmatched. Go find it.
BRAVA!

A comparison is here.
https://interlude.hk/the-best-performances-casta-diva-by-vincenzo-bellini/

For beginners (and seasoned opera lovers) Carmen by Bizet.
And check out the movie "Carmen Jones" with Harry Belafonte, Dorothy Dandridge, Pearl Bailey, Olga James and others. The music is identical to Bizet with modern lyrics and setting. (no spoilers)

For advanced opera lovers, "The Marriage of Figaro" by Mozart. (for another post)

TONIGHT, the ending to Wagner's Ring Cycle. Gotterdammerung.
TWILIGHT OF THE GODS.
I LOVE IT. Greedy gods see their Valhalla go up in flames.



The above is an artist's rendition of a french fry cooker fire by an incompetent person.
The author advocates for fire safety and against arson or bumbling idiots in the kitchen.




https://live365.com/station/Bianco-s-Opera-Lounge-a27807

The Clemens Krauss Ring Cycle continues this Saturday with Gotterdammerung at 7pm PST and of course preceded by our fantastic and fun Tiki Lounge at 5pm PST.

Get your Mai Tai's ready.