In a message dated 2/12/2006 12:17:13 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> Any recommendations for light opera DVDs? > ********************************* I'm not your typical opera fan...swooning over that mid to late 19th century rep [tho' there are of course truly great works there. Even if you can't sit thru Wagner, you know it's amazing stuff] I like early and 18th century opera best. That of course includes Handel and Mozart so it's not all obscure. It's not really "light" opera in the sense that you mean, but I recommend....highly recommend... the DVD of Rameau's "Les Indes Galantes" performed by Les Arts Florissant. It's great fun. The music is light, the action whimsical. Each act is a completely different story in a different place [the last one takes place in America among the Indians.] Most 18th century opera is structured as a series of arias separated by recitative and Rameau is no exception but the French seem to like to mush it all together. There is no flourish before the aria and you are into it before you even know it. This production is beautifully designed and staged. And the singing is phenomenal. None of that "stand there and glance at the conductor before you sing" you often get, Instead it all flows like it's no problamo for anyone....easy as pie! But we know better! I love this production and recommend it to everyone _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list [email protected] http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
