[vikulenka]

Originally Posted by solaris

I like Mika

So does Nightrfly...

[vikulenka]

P.S. Whereas Beethoven is undoubtedly THE man .... it is questionable whether Mika is A man

[squash54]

Dave, anyone with an emerging interest in classical music should not overlook opera.

My favorite composers are mostly Italian and French of the 19th century and include Verdi, Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, Puccini, Bizet, Delibes and Gounod.

I was reminded just last night what a feast for the eyes and ears this performance art is when I attended the final dress rehearsal (a have a cousin in the orchestra) of Verdi's "A masked Ball". This is a new production by Opera Australia and is lavish with its sets and costumes and a welcome relief from the "minimalist" style that has infected a lot of productions of late.

There are plenty of "Highlights" albums on Sparks and eMusic and these are a good way to explore and discover what appeals to your musical tastes. I would look for some of the more overtly melodic operas such as Verdi's "La Traviata", Puccini's "Madama Butterfly", Bellini's "Norma" or Gounod's "Faust" for example.

Better still, go to a live performance of one of these - I can still remember my first time - Verdi's "Rigoletto"

Squash

[Dave C]

Originally Posted by squash54

Better still, go to a live performance of one of these - I can still remember my first time - Verdi's "Rigoletto"

Squash

Along with ballet, it is on my list of things to do before I am 50. I will now go and get Verdi's "La Traviata" to see what I have got to look forward too,
Cheers,
Dave C
[EDIT] Just want to be sure, is this what I should be getting ( La Traviata (Anna Netrebko, Rolando Villazуn)) as there seem to be a few

[squash54]

Originally Posted by Dave C

Along with ballet, it is on my list of things to do before I am 50. I will now go and get Verdi's "La Traviata" to see what I have got to look forward too,
Cheers,
Dave C
[EDIT] Just want to be sure, is this what I should be getting ( La Traviata (Anna Netrebko, Rolando Villazуn)) as there seem to be a few

Anna and Rolando are THE opera darlings at the moment, and with some justification. Personally, I think Roberto Alagna is the better tenor of the new(ish) superstars but this is a very fine recording you have chosen. I also should have said there are some really excellent DVD's of opera perfomances that are readily available. I can recommend a few if you are interested (ballets too).

Squash

[Dave C]

Originally Posted by squash54

Anna and Rolando are THE opera darlings at the moment, and with some justification. Personally, I think Roberto Alagna is the better tenor of the new(ish) superstars but this is a very fine recording you have chosen. I also should have said there are some really excellent DVD's of opera perfomances that are readily available. I can recommend a few if you are interested (ballets too).

Squash

I will get on with downloading it then. If I was to get a DVD of opera or ballet, I think I would scare my wife,
Cheers,
Dave C