Budapest opera: Which one???
 

I just saw posted on the Budapest Opera House website that I will have two choices of operas to see. This will be my first time in Europe and first time to see a opera. Can anyone recommend which one I should see and why?

Otello or Le Nozze di Figaro

Thanks
Lexi

Hi lexi,

Do you want to chuckle? - Mozart's Figaro.

((I))

Having seen both, I vote for Figaro.

Figaro. More entertaining and better tunes.

Nozze di Figaro is a great, tuneful introduction to Mozart and to opera.

On the other hand....Here is the gen on Otello:

"After composing Aida in 1870–71, if we leave out of consideration the revision of Simon Boccanegra, Verdi (1813–1901) did not write a new opera until Otello (1884/86). It appeared to contemporaries that Verdi’s oeuvre ended with Aida.

"(The librettist) Boito’s brilliant stroke – for the staging of an opera – was to leave out the entire first act of Shakespeare’s play, focusing throughout on the emotional aspect of the drama, in many cases using Shakespeare’s original text. He made the figures, especially Iago and Desdemona, unequivocal.

"The premiere was held in February 1887 in the Milan Scala. It was an enormous success, but Verdi himself was not entirely satisfied with the performance....

"After the première he complained about the bad scenery, the unimpressively executed storm scene and the poor staging. Fortunately, he was the only one who took such a strict view and the opera began to conquer the world.

"In 1887, besides the production in Italy, it was first staged in Budapest." (!!!)

I see that the principals in the cast are all Hungarian -- or have Hungarian names. So one part of the appeal of this dark, late-Verdian opera may be that it is something of a home-town production.

If it's your first opera then you can't go wrong with Le Nozze di Figaro. It's funny and the music is lively. It's a good introduction to opera. The costuming and stage will be colorful. Figaro is probably one of the most loved operas of all time. Even if I don't have statistical proof of that, I think you'll see why.

Be sure to read up on it first,or better yet download a libretto in English. It will most likely be sung in Italian. There is a text screen for translation but it will be translating from Italian to Hungarian.

See if your local library carries the cds and listen before you decide.
We saw Don Giovanni at the Budapest Opera House, it was wonderful.

Thanks everyone for your advice! I think I am going to see Figaro. Now I just have to buy my tickets.

Thanks again for everyone's help!
Lexi

I think the arguments concerning the choice of operas were well summed above. One thing about Figaro, depending on the version, there can be alot of recitative in a sort of a singsong style.
The dialog is essential to the development of a very complicated plot.

Because the opera will be sung in either German or Italian in all probability, the whole burden of being able to follow all the hiding behind chairs and jumping out of windows will be on you. The action is swift at times, and the arias and duets are integrated fully into the plot.

Even with a libretto in hand, the semispoken dialog goes by at a rapid pace.

Yes the arias are plentiful and tuneful, but the recitatives lead up to them. So be prepared, one way or the other.

I think also that you will get a good cast of singers. There are many good ones in eastern Europe. One of the legacies of the Communist system is that of state funding for the arts.

We heard Opera Europa do a production of Aida, and most of the singers were excellent. The baritone who sang the role of Amonasro could well be on the roster at the Met, and more than hold his own.

There is a shortage of really good tenors today, but fortunately, a good tenor is hardly needed for Figaro. It needs most a silky smooth bass-baritone and at least 3 skilled sopranos who can sing Mozart.

At the end of the first act, be primed for Non pui andrai -- easily one of the most melodic arias in all of opera.
And of course, near the opening is the famous Si voul ballare followed by even more witty Mozart tunes.

To me Otello is one of the greatest operas ever written - in fact, I think it is one of the greatest works of music ever written. That said, since this is your first opera, definitely go to Le Nozze di Figaro, which is a sparkling, funny and tuneful. When you have grown to know and love opera, see Otello; it will blow you away!

Thanks Bob and Mamc for your replies! I wish that I had time to see both. I have one more stupid question...can you take photos in the opera house (no flash)?

Lexi

Taking photographs is opera houses is generally frowned upon, if not upright banned.

Photography in most opera houses is in the same category as a ringing cell phone.

I have never seen anyone so uninformed or so brazen as to try flash photography.
My guess is that the camera person would be escorted out.

I wouldn't take pics in any opera houses.

Sorry I guess I should have clarified that more...I didn't want to take pictures while the opera was going on just maybe before it started. I know it sounds stupid but I like to have a picture of every place I visit.

Thanks again for the responses!

I doubt if anyone will say anything if you do it before the curtain goes up. Ask for foregiveness if anyone objects.

Better yet, wait until the opera is over.

The house lights will be up and you might have better lighting. However, you can expect conditions to be dim.

If the opera is over, the usher cannot very well throw you out now can s/he?