(Credit: Marty Sohl / Met Opera) Over the last few years, Rossini’s “Guillaume Tell,” which had its world premiere on August 3, 1829, has seen its popularity slowly increase. In fact, many are starting to see it as one of, if not the best, of Rossini’s operas. But the opera remains a mystery to many and in an attempt to {…}
(Credit: Ken Howard / Metropolitan Opera) Wagner’s “Parsifal” is one of the greatest operas ever created. Its music is undeniably some of the most sublime ever created by humankind, but the power of its mythology cannot be overlooked. Within “Parsifal,” we find a number of major archetypes in all of its characters, all with differing attitudes toward the work’s central {…}
Licia Albanese is a 20th century legend. Among major Metropolitan Opera artists of the mid-20th century, she was recognized as one of the major sopranos of her time, dominating such operas as “Madama Butterfly” and “La Traviata” in a way that no other singer has since dominated. Her career is treasured and here is a fun quiz to test the {…}
(Credit: Ann Ray / Metropolitan Opera) In the opera house, big personalities abound. From violists who just can’t seem to catch a break to prima donnas who attract adulation and praise (and maybe a touch of jealousy, too) at every turn, who knew one building could be filled with so many different characters! Whether you commute to the opera house {…}
It’s the month of independence for a few major countries around the world. So in honor of freedom and liberty, this week’s quiz is dedicated to some of the most notable appeals for freedom, peace, and liberty in the history of opera. Guess the right one and have some fun!
Who doesn’t love a good opera villain? In an art form of extreme emotions, there is no doubt that some of the characters are among the most heinous you could ever imagine. But how well do you know your villains, their motives, their crimes, and their fates? Here’s a quiz to test out your understanding of opera’s worst beings.
(Photos: Lisa Tomasetti) Gounod is one of the core composers of the French repertory. Born on June 17, 1818, two of his operas remain major staples of the repertory. But Gounod composed more than just “Faust” and “Roméo et Juliette.” How well do you know that repertory? This quiz will test your knowledge of Gounod’s entire operatic output.
Happy Father’s Day! Last year we tried to match up your dad with one of the iconic opera fathers in the canon. But this time around we want to see how well you know and understand the father-child dynamics in the world of opera. So here’s our little quiz to test your knowledge on this unique relationship in the art {…}
A few weeks ago we published a quiz in which we asked you to name the character that uttered a series of final lines. This week, we revisit a similar theme but with a twist. Now we tell you the name of the character and ask you to identify their respective entrance aria, or the first solo number they sing {…}
Opera singers are a bit—how shall we put this—odd. We do random lip trills in public, insert opera puns into everyday conversations, and break out singing at the drop of a hat. We have special singing wardrobes in our closets and we have entire bookcases devoted to sheet music. Objectively, we are a lot to… Handel. If you think you’re {…}
Beverly Sills is one of the most iconic American singers of the past century. Her stamp was felt in all areas of the opera world. Not only was she a major artists on stage, but she popularized the art form on TV and in a wide range of other means. After her performing career was at an end, Sills continued {…}