Riffic

Greetings,

I am surprising the wife with Prague this week for her birthday. I want to take her to the opera, but do not know which to choose:

Thursday - RUSALKA by Dvoøák (at the National Theatre)

OR

Friday - COSI FAN TUTTE by Mozart (at the State Opera House)

Let the recommendations flow, please....

yk

Hi Riffic-

I'm no opera expert, but since no one else has replied, I'll put in my 2 cents.

I've only seen Cosi Fan Tutte but not Rusalka, so I can't really compare the 2, but here are my thoughts:

Is your wife a big opera fan? Has she seen either one?
Do you have a preference for the venue?

Cosi Fan Tutte is more of a light-hearted comedy, while Rusalka is darker.

For me, it would be a tough choice-

Rusalka- I would be interested to see it as I haven't seen it before, but may be hard to follow the story as I doubt they will have English subtitles in Prague.

Cosi Fan Tutte- I know it's a fun opera to watch, and I'm more familiar with the story and the music. So even though I won't understand what they're saying(singing), I would still be able to follow the plot.

111op

I listen to a lot of classical music, but I don't listen to very much opera. So it's a tough call. "Cosi" comes up a lot. "Rusalka" is performed less, I think, but Dvorak is a Czech composer. For that reason maybe I'll give the edge to "Rusalka," and I'm not much an opera fan myself.

Which venue is considered more prestigious? That can figure into your calculations. Also, what about the cast? That's another important consideration -- the quality of the singing and the musicians in question. For me this would be a very important consideration. For example, the Met productions are likely better than the City Opera ones in NYC, and if there's a famous singer in the production, that's a clear choice for me.

Also, I'd look for a synopsis of the opera and consider how long the opera is. Fortunately you're not choosing a Wagner opera.

The Met maintains a list of all the operas in its repertoire here:

http://www.metopera.org/synopses/

111op

And I should add -- I've not seen either opera in question.

Also, consider getting a CD of excerpts from a record store and listen. You can judge for yourself that way. And read the synopsis before you go. I saw "Elektra" in Teatro Real in Madrid, and the supertitles were in Spanish. I don't understand Spanish and I've never seen "Elektra" prior. Fortunately this Strauss (Richard) happens to be quite short, and my knowledge of Greek mythology was all right, but still, it helps tremendously to know what people are singing (roughly).

Myrto

When I was in Prague I saw the Magic Flute at the State Opera. The building is impressive (inside and out), but the production was ok (not bad, but not the best I've seen).
I've not been to the National Theatre so I couldn't say how it compares.

rkkwan

My parents watched La Traviata at the State Opera last fall. Like Mytro says, beautiful building. They also have subtitles there.

ThinGorjus

I attend the opera all the time. Whilst I have never seen Rusalka, Cosi fan tutti is one of my favourites. If you are not an opera fan, I would suggest the humourous operas of Mozart over anything heavy and dark. And does it get any better than Mozart??? He is the best of the best.

eri

Cossi Fan Tutte is more fun. The music is easier to listen and the content humorous. But are you sure that there are tickets available at such short notice? Make up your mind fast. At this time of the year it is extremely difficult to get tickets!

111op

I don't mean to stir up a storm, but I guess I'm one of those who doesn't really like Mozart. I'd pick Verdi or Puccini -- or I guess, in this case, probably Dvorak. Dvorak's music can be really wonderful (the slow movement from the 9th Symphony you'll recognize immediately if you've ever heard it -- it has a wonderful English horn solo). Dvorak is probably not in most people's pantheon of composers, but his music is very accessible (the sunny Slavonic Dances, the symphonies, the various concertos) with lots of folk influences -- unfortunately I just can't comment on the opera because I've never heard it.

But get some excerpts and listen (or even download some excerpts off websites).

Riffic

Well,

Thanks for all of the replies. I had been leaning towards Mozart, and given the comments, I just called my hotel and they will reserve two tickets for COSI.

Now, I have to find a restaurant that is open after the perforance....

of course, I won't turn down any recommendations

FromDC

Just saw this thread, sorry I didn't catch it earlier. I just got back from an opera tour of Austria and Prague and would have recommended Rusalka for sure. Much better to go to a Czech opera in Prague because of the training of the singers, they as not usually trained in the Italian sytle. So if there is a chance that you can call the hotel and change, it is what I would recommend (I have been going to the Met for over 30 years and saw Rusalka there last month). Also, the area where the State Theater is located doesn't have as many nice restaurants....sorry

Riffic

FromDC,

It's too late to change, but I am still optimistic about our evening.

For dinner after the opera, the hotel recommended Zahrada v Opere (Garden at the Opera). I checked out the site and it looks like a great ending to the evening.

Do you know it?

The Prague Post seems to like it:
(Garden at the Opera) Excellent. Fine dining before, during and after State Opera performances in a light, fairy-tale modern decor. A favorite. Recommended: mussel soup with pastis, rabbit ragout, seasonal specials. (behind Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty). Open daily 11:30 a.m.?1 a.m. (kitchen closes at midnight). AmEx, Euro/MC, Visa.


btw, what part of DC are you from? I used to live in Court House and Alexandria, near Old Town.

Christina

Some people would still prefer the Mozart, but I would have recommend the Dvorak without question -- so I'll just say that in case someone else pulls this thread for advice.

I adore Mozart, although I'm not a big opera buff, I'll admit -- I like a lot of the music, that's all. However, they do Rusalka better than about anyone in the world in Prague (as well as some other Czech operas), and as long as you are in Prague, I would not pass up a chance to see and hear Rusalka in the National Theatre by their opera repertory company, they are famous for that. If Belohlavek is conducting, that is really a shame to miss as I think he is one of the best conductors around today.

Rusalka is a nice opera, and has a beautiful aria in it which you might recognize, Song to the Moon. It has been used in some film scores (Driving Miss Daisy, Prizzi's Honor).

Don't know that restaurant, but it sounds fine.

amp322

The restaurant that was recommended to you is one of the best in Prague, but little known, since it is behind the theatre. Also, while Rusalka at the National would probably be a great production, seeing the inside of the State Opera House is a great experience by itself! Enjoy!!

bob_brown

Well, I would not call Mozart Italian style. Afterall, the Prague folks know about Mozart too. He even wrote a fine symphony known as the Prague Symphony; his 38th. Much of Mozart's music was expertly performed for Telarc recordings by the Prague Chamber Orchestra, which is one of the finest small orchestras you will ever hear. So my guess is that the Prague opera can put on a Mozart opera as well as anything. I know they can in Vienna!!

rkkwan

Don Giovanni was premiered in Prague 10/29/1787.

Underhill

Just the thought of hearing a Mozart opera in Prague gives me the shivers--what a wonderful opportunity!