Opera (FR., opéra; Ger., Oper; It., Sp., opera), dramatic work in which whole, or greater part of text is sung with instrumental accompaniment. Term is abbrev. of opera in musica (musical work).

So what is it? A gaggle of larger than life men and women making complete prats of themselves in a karaoke session gone wrong, or a beautiful and touching emotional experience? The intense feelings it creates in people, whether pro or against, is like an opera plot in itself, all shouting and fist shaking. If only Puccini were still alive just think what he could have done..... There`s no doubt that the fact that you`ve got three layers (music, text and drama) in which to tell the story is a great plus point. It enables you to say in 5 minutes what it would take a play twice as long to say. All that overlapping and singing at once might sound a mess, but the musical emotion carries the plot and hey presto it makes sense. Music as a form is everywhere and everyone can read and understand it. Rock and Pop music instinctively makes you feel one way or another and with opera it`s the same but just on a larger scale.

But will I understand it?
These days the majority of opera companies use surtitles - think subtitles but higher - projected over the stage to help the audience understand what`s going on. The purists would say that this isn`t necessary as the music speaks volumes itself, but that`s taking things a bit too far. Anyone who`s been to ENO would argue that even productions sung in English need surtitles as even with the best diction you can normally only catch a percentage of what`s being sung.

Isn`t it all fat women?
Not these days. Think Lesley Garrett rather than Joan Sutherland. The larger-than-life prima donna image is largely due to Wagner and his breast plated, Ride of the Walküre heroes from `The Ring Cycle` and it`s very outdated. The stars these days are more likely to be of the lithe variety. Modern producers are often keen on jazzing things up with nudity, and opera stars are body conscious.

You mean one of them has actually stripped off on stage?
Maria Ewing famously bared all in a production of Strauss`s Salome. The opera finishes with The Dance Of The Seven Veils, basically a strip number and basically she stripped!

Can they act?
Well, things have moved on drastically from the singers bringing their own costumes, wigs, makeup and movement plot to the production. Fine if you`re there to see the singer, but not much good if you want to see a conceived, thoughtful intellectual production with the lead spoiling it all by doing their own stuff. The new breed of singers are actors as well and it shows.

So who was Maria Callas?
A complete diva of the opera world. She died in 1977 but still holds an emotional vice on most gay men. She is considered to be one of the finest dramatic sopranos of all time. Okay, so her vocal technique wasn`t unflawed, but her acting abilities and stage presence more than compensated for it.

Do I need to dress up to attend?
Absolutely not. These days regardless of the seats you`re in you are more likely to be sitting next to someone in smart jeans than black tie.

So as an opera virgin what should I go and see?
Well I certainly wouldn`t suggest anything by Wagner just yet, let`s not run before we can walk. The best composers for beginners are Puccini and Verdi as they offer plenty of emotion, spectacle, drama and death. I personally would suggest Puccini`s `Tosca` or `La Bohemé`, `La Traviata` (Verdi) or `Carmen` (Bizet) as perfect starter pieces, though Mozart`s operas are all understated and near perfect examples of the genre.

Now read The Bluffers Guide To Opera