OPERA is a high dramatic art in which history moves not by action, but by protracted arias. Imagine: the hero dies of a broken heart, but instead of a death rattle, he gives out a 15-minute song on high notes, while the choir behind him sympathetically and artistically groans. Here, the plot is just an excuse to let the singers show what their throats (and the audience’s patience) are capable of. But there are still enough connoisseurs.... Show more