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Sunday, August 31. 2014

Roger Scruton on opera

Opera is Not Just Our Most Expensive Noise


Scruton actually composed an opera, says it was the most difficult task he has ever undertaken. One quote:



A full-scale spectacle must run for an extended period if it is to cover its costs. Hence an opera can put the composer's name in lights for days on end, and the more costly the production the longer it must run. But it is not the promise of repeat performances that draws so many composers to this supremely demanding art form. Opera is a crown to be won, a sign that the composer has finally stuck his head above the clouds on Mount Olympus.



Aren't modern musicals operas? Or operettas?


Posted by Bird Dog in The Culture, "Culture," Pop Culture and Recreation at 13:39 | Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0)

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I keep trying to come up with a discipline of the arts that is not, in some way, an integral part of opera... I got nuthin'... Opera has always, to me, seemed a healthy salmagundi of the arts.
#1 Pajak on 2014-08-31 14:35 (Reply)
Yes, I think 20th century musicals are the modern counterpart to opera, but with this difference :

I think operas were written to impress, while 20th century musicals were written to succeed at the ticket office.

I'll admit that I like very few of either one - the genre just doesn't do it for me.
#2 Charlie on 2014-09-01 00:17 (Reply)

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