My Personal Selection of the Most Beautiful Operas

When it comes to classical music and operas, the beauty is often in the eye of the beholder. While some argue that there is the most beautiful opera in the world, my personal selection includes a few that I consider to be the peak of operatic beauty. From the lush melodies of Puccini's Turandot to the timeless La Bohème by Puccini and Don Giovanni by Mozart, these operas have made a profound impact on my love for the arts.

Counterintuitive Opinions and My Favourite Operas

On the 22nd of January 1998, I was watching Turandot on PBS' Live from the Met. While Nessun Dorma was undeniably beautiful, I felt that a lot of the opera did not live up to its reputation. I preferred the Verdi’s Rigoletto and Mozart’s Magic Flute instead. For me, Turandot evokes anger and discontent more than joy or beauty. Poor Liu, a kind and loving woman, does not deserve to die, despite her care for Calaf's blind father. Yet, Calaf, who sees only her beautiful face, completely overlooks her beautiful soul. This opera leaves me with the feeling that things are not as they should be.

Operatic Masterpieces that Moved Me

Personally, I highly recommend Don Giovanni by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Its blend of deep emotion, enchanting themes, and a fairy-tale narrative make it a timeless masterpiece. Other operas that stand out to me include La Traviata and Il Trovatore both by Giuseppe Verdi, and La Bohème.

Favorite Moments from Other Operas

I also have a deep appreciation for some of Tchaikovsky's operatic works. Eugene Onegin and Mazeppa are personal favorites. In particular, I am moved by Lensky's aria 'Kuda, kuda' in scenes from Eugene Onegin—a poignant and tragically beautiful prelude to a duel. And in Mazeppa, the father to be executed and the townspeople gathered form a striking scene, with the drunken revelry of a Cossack providing a macabre counterpoint. The pilgrims' chorus from Tannh?user moves me despite the opera's portentousness.

When it comes to the most beautiful opera, the answer is contextual and personal. A specific opera might be artistically beautiful, but not personally resonant for everyone. With a world as diverse and vast as ours, it's impossible to pinpoint one single, definitive answer to such a question. The beauty of operas lies in their universal themes and the deep emotional experiences they evoke. My top picks are:

Eugene Onegin by Tchaikovsky Don Giovanni by Mozart La Traviata by Verdi La Bohème by Puccini

Whatever your preferences, there's an opera out there that can touch your heart and leave you in awe of the human experience.

Conclusion

The beauty of operas lies in their ability to move us, to tell stories that resonate with profound emotion, and to create unforgettable musical moments. Whether it's the timeless beauty of La Bohème, the enchanting melodies of Puccini’s operas, the profound emotions of Mozart's Don Giovanni, or the poignant moments in Tchaikovsky’s works, each opera has its unique charm. The most beautiful opera is subjective and varies from person to person, but there’s no denying that these masterpieces offer a kaleidoscope of emotions that can captivate and inspire us.

Additional Resources

For those interested in learning more about operas that move the heart, you may want to explore:

Beriozza by Verdi Candide by Bernstein and Lerner La Fille du Régiment by Offenbach

These operas, just like the ones mentioned, offer incredible diversity and depth in their storytelling and musical composition.

In conclusion, the most beautiful opera is a deeply personal experience. If you love the arts, I highly recommend exploring the rich world of operas to find the ones that resonate with your soul.