It’s OK to Doze Off During an Opera
- 10 years ago
While looking for ways to make peace with his own opera attention span issues, the Guardian’s John Crace learned that getting bored from time to time is OK.
If you enjoy opera well enough, but can’t seem to stay riveted throughout the entire performance, don’t let that get you down.
While looking for ways to make peace with his own attention span issues, the Guardian’s John Crace learned that getting bored from time to time is OK.
One opera conductor pointed out that boredom isn’t always the failure of the observer to fully understand and appreciate a work.
Sometimes either the composer, the musicians, or even both really didn’t hold up their end of the bargain.
He advises that people keep in mind that challenges in some music should be expected, but a composer’s reputation alone isn’t reason enough to struggle to meet them.
A celebrated soprano furthered this idea, saying that all operas should be approached differently. Some demand that the audience meet the performers half way.
Others, like Wagner, prefer to do all the work, allowing the spectators to sit back and let the experience wash over them.
Noted by an art director was that some composers and directors intentionally throw painfully slow moments in.
Think about it this way…if there were no dull parts, the climaxes wouldn’t seem nearly as exciting.
If you enjoy opera well enough, but can’t seem to stay riveted throughout the entire performance, don’t let that get you down.
While looking for ways to make peace with his own attention span issues, the Guardian’s John Crace learned that getting bored from time to time is OK.
One opera conductor pointed out that boredom isn’t always the failure of the observer to fully understand and appreciate a work.
Sometimes either the composer, the musicians, or even both really didn’t hold up their end of the bargain.
He advises that people keep in mind that challenges in some music should be expected, but a composer’s reputation alone isn’t reason enough to struggle to meet them.
A celebrated soprano furthered this idea, saying that all operas should be approached differently. Some demand that the audience meet the performers half way.
Others, like Wagner, prefer to do all the work, allowing the spectators to sit back and let the experience wash over them.
Noted by an art director was that some composers and directors intentionally throw painfully slow moments in.
Think about it this way…if there were no dull parts, the climaxes wouldn’t seem nearly as exciting.