Opera for Beginners
Good Audiences...
- Are good listeners.
- Keep their hands and feet to themselves.
- Laugh at the parts that are funny.
- Do not eat food, chew gum, or drink in the theater.
- Sing along when they are invited to by the artist.
- Remain in their seats during the performance.
- Clap and shout "BRAVO! BRAVA!" at the close of the opera if they have enjoyed it.
Applause, Applause!
At an opera the conductor of the orchestra is usually greeted with applause when he or she first appears. Traditionally, audiences also applaud at the end of each musical selection, unless the show is written in such a manner that music terminates with dramatic action that cannot be interrupted. At the end of the curtain calls (when the performers bow), the conductor and the orchestra members are acknowledged by the cast and rewarded with audience applause. If audience members really enjoy the performance, they may stand and clap in what is called a standing ovation.
Things to Notice as You Listen
Compare and contrast excerpts. |
Notice the differences between how an aria and a recitative sound. |
Why is it important for the audience to sing too? What is happening in the story? |
