[quote]David Murtagh wrote:
I find Domingo’s version of “Nessun dorma” more satisfying than Pavarotti’s (although there are probably dozens of each out there), but if you are interested in opera avoid buying the complete operas when starting out. This might be the inner philistine breaking out but so much time in opera is spent on people dramatically singing that they’re going to open the door, get a glass of water etc. If you want the power and the glory of opera, go for a compilation (especially one which has the excerpts from movies or television commercials). They don’t overload with crap and you can experience a wide cross section of composers.
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I totally agree. I think opera is ultimately best served in three dimensions anyway, it’s a whole experience that should be seen, heard, and felt. When you don’t have the visuals to compliment the vocal performance, much of it doesn’t make sense or is just plain unpleasant to have to sit there and listen to while you’re waiting for something more acoustically palatable.