I've scanned most of the thread but not read it all!

I love Opera - it combines Drama, orchestral Music and singing all on the same stage at the same time. Blaming difficult. The roles demand BIG powerful voices used correctly you cannot even play a part using amplification they are too big. How many of us could fill the Albert Hall with sound and no Amplifiers, walk off stage and still have a voice and be able to use it?

Sorry - I used to get paid to direct it.

Back to folk many Operas are based around folk myths and many around folk Music - Rimsky Korsakov's The Snow Maiden is one of my favorites even though the press did not like my interpretation, Teh Music is steeped in Russian Folk music and the tale is a Russian Folk Tale. Then there is Russlan and Ludmilla, Magic Flute......

Having said a bit - How many of you have been to an Opera - Many - not all will say - I've never been 'cos I don't like it just what heaps of people say about folk music and we say ........

I rest my case your honour now let the masses decide teh fate of opera assasination by Yorkshiremen and others. Should they forfiet their right to enjoy folk music as Opera lovers don't like it (although they have never experienced it).

Hugs to you all

Andy

BTW Phantom of the Opera is an opera as is jesus Christ Superstar - Evita but to avoid the snob value they are sold as musicals - HUMPH