A form of theatre in which all, or at least most, of the lines are sung rather than spoken. They are commonly written in Italian, German, and French. However, there are also Czech, Chinese, Russian, and English operas. Frequently, the three largest roles are given to a soprano, a bass, and a tenor.
A soprano is a female singer with the highest vocal range. There are, however, many different types of sopranos, each suited to certain roles.
A bass is a male singer with the lowest range. An example of a very good bass voice is Nicolai Ghiaurov.
A tenor is a male singer with the highest vocal range. Often, they are the hero of the story and are in love with the soprano's character.
The plots range from a light-hearted comedy such as "La Fille du Regiment" (The Daughter of the Regiment) to tragedies such as "Aida" or "La Boheme". The music is often difficult to sing, though some arias are easier than others. I would not recommend attempting to sing any of them without training, however. Contrary to what some people believe, singing opera takes a great deal of work and skill and hitting all those high notes, which many people refer to as shrieking, is certainly not easy.
If you intend to go to the opera, it is a good idea to read the story first. Whether you have the story in a book or find it online, it tends to be more enjoyable if you know the story. Especially if you aren't a great opera fan and are simply going because some one you know wants you to accompany them.
A soprano is a female singer with the highest vocal range. There are, however, many different types of sopranos, each suited to certain roles.
A bass is a male singer with the lowest range. An example of a very good bass voice is Nicolai Ghiaurov.
A tenor is a male singer with the highest vocal range. Often, they are the hero of the story and are in love with the soprano's character.
The plots range from a light-hearted comedy such as "La Fille du Regiment" (The Daughter of the Regiment) to tragedies such as "Aida" or "La Boheme". The music is often difficult to sing, though some arias are easier than others. I would not recommend attempting to sing any of them without training, however. Contrary to what some people believe, singing opera takes a great deal of work and skill and hitting all those high notes, which many people refer to as shrieking, is certainly not easy.
If you intend to go to the opera, it is a good idea to read the story first. Whether you have the story in a book or find it online, it tends to be more enjoyable if you know the story. Especially if you aren't a great opera fan and are simply going because some one you know wants you to accompany them.
Notable opera singers are: Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, Joan Sutherland, Nicolai Ghiaurov, Maryline Horne, Maria Callas, Renee Fleming, Angela Gheorgiu, Roberto Alagna, and Jose Carreras.
by Don't have one. May 10, 2008
Get the opera mug.An increasingly popular genre of Science Fiction. The term is largely self explanatory in that a space opera is a drama that is simply put in the context of science fiction. Although it can be "hard" science fiction, space operas typically focus on the characters to a point where the actual setting (space obviously, but more specifically, a technological future) is largely unimportant.
Have you seen Cowboy Bebop or that new Battlestar Galactica show?
No, I've never been a fan of space operas.
No, I've never been a fan of space operas.
by draque February 15, 2005
Get the space opera mug.Related Words
Oprea
• Oprean
• oprah
• Opera
• oprah winfrey
• operator
• Operation Iraqi Liberation
• Operation Ivy
• opera gx
• Operation
You are about to get destroyed physically, mentally, and spiritaully. Generally if this phrase is bellowed out it means the bellower is about to engage in a mass slaughter with absolutly no care for their own safety. Expect no quarter given. Although a relitivly rare act, certain social pressures, neurological ihibitors, or defeat in a video game can cause this.
Vavey: Owned you again!
Dave: Now witness the firepower of this fully ARMED and OPERATIONAL battle station!
Vavey: ohhhh....crap
*Gore everywhere, house destroyed along with neighboring countries
Dave: Now witness the firepower of this fully ARMED and OPERATIONAL battle station!
Vavey: ohhhh....crap
*Gore everywhere, house destroyed along with neighboring countries
by Vavey May 5, 2007
Get the Now witness the firepower of this fully ARMED and OPERATIONAL battle station! mug.1) A ska punk band that formed in 1987 and disbanded in 1989 consisting of Jesse Micheals, vocals, Lint, guitar, Matt McCall, bass, and Dave Mello, drums. They originated in Berkeley California around the Gilman St. club.
2) Code name for testing nuclear bombs in the '40's
2) Code name for testing nuclear bombs in the '40's
1) The Operation Ivy 7" was called Hectic.
2) There was much objection once Operation Ivy became public.
2) There was much objection once Operation Ivy became public.
by Dayglo June 18, 2004
Get the operation ivy mug.The process of hovering over a dirty toilet seat to take a crap so you do not get your back end covered in germs.
I had to drop the Cosby kids off at the pool, but some one left their juice on all the toilet seats. Luckily, I remembered a trick my 2nd grade teacher taught me and performed an Operation Dumbo Drop.
by Bhobby December 9, 2008
Get the Operation Dumbo Drop mug.A person that attempts to have sex with as many women as possible, while, at the same time, trying to keep it a secret from each woman. In his head O.S thinks that the illusion will last, however, that is not the case. Often most of these women know each other. If your friend is an O.S, best thing to do is let it take its course. Then when the shit hits the fan, kick back, pop open a cold one and enjoy the show.
by KBap May 20, 2011
Get the Operation Scumbag mug.The most evil cosmetics company in the world. As a company they are backstabbing scum who treat their suppliers like dirt promising big orders but rarely delivering. And when you get an order their quality people reject everything based on archaic byzantine specifications thet they provide little training on. The supplier is expected to essentially become a branch of L'Oreal.
by discordian June 10, 2006
Get the L'Oreal mug.