Magic Flute is very tuneful (as is all of Mozart, of course), easy to follow, fun, funny and fantastical and, in this production, quite a spectacle for the eyes and ears. Truly a perfect "starter" opera, I would think, along with the beautiful epic Zefferelli Boheme at the Met which is also back this season (it's been one of the most popular productions at the Met for decades now; it always sells out -- a must-see).
You might at also want to check out Aida (talk about a spectacle -- the Met production is HUGE with massive towering sets and a cast of hundreds) and the Zefferelli La Traviata which is gorgeous (both operas are by Verdi, the greatest of all Italian opera composers -- with his absolutely exquisite melodies, his operas are also great for beginners). Rossini's Barber of Seville is also a lot of fun ("Il Barbiere di Siviglia" -- one of the great comic operas). Also check out a couple of Puccini's other masterpieces such as Madama Butterfly and Tosca, if you get a chance.
All of those, as well as Carmen, are ideal for theose just getting started in their appreciation of opera.
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie
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"The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney
Updated On: 11/8/07 at 01:15 PM
