Opera for people who hate opera

Now, I might claim in passing that, “I hate opera,” but that’s pretty much impossible for a classical music nerd–I studied piano and harpsichord in college–so I don’t mean it the same way you do when you say you ‘hate opera.’ Just like I never appreciated bassoon music until I became friends with a bassoonist, you learn discernment when you are immersed an idiom or style. Same goes for hip hop. Getting to know a rapper, I found out that you never hear the good stuff on the radio.

So here’s a recommendation for those ready to broaden their opera horizons beyond The Three Tenors. Cecilia Bartoli. If you enjoy her sound, add her music to your Holiday/Christmas listening this year. And half of the fun is watching her crazy face. I think what made such a big impression on me was her willingness to look like a complete fool for the sake of the emotions she communicates through the music she sings. Here are some lengthy videos that will give you a sample of her voice.

Cecilia’s mother explaining her vocal method: