Opera For Everyone

A beautiful diva arrives just in time to shed new light on an inheritance case that is a century old. She doesn’t behave like other women, and somehow she knows exactly where to locate the will that has eluded searchers for generations. The mystery grows more perplexing and incomprehensible, as the characters grow ever more extreme in their behaviors. The Makropulos Case by Leoš Janáček is a taut mystery enriched with lush music that also asks us to consider the value of our own mortality. Hosted by Keely and Pat

The Devil takes center stage in this opera based on the Faust story: a timeless tale of the seductive nature of evil and the redemptive promise of grace. Known primarily for his many successful libretti, Arrigo Boito gave his full poetic, philosophical, and musical talents to this, his only complete opera. This is the third in a series of Opera For Everyone podcasts featuring operas based on Goethe’s “Faust.” Also in the series: Episode 76 "La Damnation de Faust" by Hector Berlioz, and Episode 78 "Faust" by Charles Gounod. All three are hosted by Pat and guest co-host Kathleen Van De Wille.

A deal with the Devil; a Faustian bargain. When an elderly scholar prays to the Devil in desperation, he learns that it might not be wise to let the Devil answer his prayers. Faust gains only transitory pleasures but causes the pitiful downfall of a naive young woman. This story takes a close look at the relationship between that woman and the scholar. Composer Charles Gounod’s take on the Goethe play gives us sumptuous music and one of the great enduring operas in the repertoire. Hosted by Pat and Kathleen Van De Wille

A beautiful woman encounters a handsome prince near her home. She cannot tell the prince that she loves him, but her passion is so powerful that she chooses to give up her family and voice in order to appear to him and win his love. His wavering commitment, however, dooms them both. Antonin Dvorak’s opera Rusalka soars with vibrant music and invites us to ponder what makes us human. Hosted by Keely and Pat

Faust, an aging scholar, despairs that the world holds no further interest for him. But the crafty devil Mephistopheles appears and invites Faust to pleasures not found in his books. Of course, it is never wise to make a deal with the Devil. The epic tale of the downfall of Faust and the innocent woman he drags with him is sublimely illustrated by Hector Berlioz’s La Damnation de Faust. Hosted by Pat and Kathleen Van De Wille

These are not Shakespeare’s Montagues and Capulets! Based on the original medieval Italian source material, Bellini’s take on the star-crossed lovers portrays Romeo as a young man who knows his mind and leads an army. Juliet loves Romeo deeply, but must contend with both external and internal impediments to realizing any happiness with her beloved. Join us for the soaring Bel Canto version of the famous tale of lovers from rival clans.

Young Werther is the embodiment of Romanticism. He swoons for nature, sighs for love, and marvels at the innocence of childhood. These impulses, however, can turn dark when his desires are thwarted. A sensation when it was published, Goethe’s story of a young poet in love, captured the imagination of a generation. Massenet’s riveting opera takes us into the world of a sensitive poet and the object of his desire. Hosted by Pat and guest co-host Kathleen Van de Wille

Rossini’s witty and urbane Le Comte Ory is a comic opera full of mirth and ridiculous disguises. Meet the randy Comte Ory and his merry band of singing knights. While the decent men of the castle are away in the Holy Land, the Comte plays the part of a hermit, a female pilgrim... anything to cozy up to the lovely Countess Adele. Though his plans are foiled, we suspect the Comte will repeat his efforts countless times in the years to come. Hosted by Keely and Pat.

When a young princess's depraved stepfather asks her to dance, she sees a way to satisfy her lust for the imprisoned John (the Baptist). Based on an Oscar Wilde play dramatizing a biblical story, the opera Salome was shocking and enticing for audiences, and a critical success for composer Richard Strauss early in his career. Hosted by Pat, Grant & new guest co-host, Jocelyn

In the last of a series of five special episodes, Keely and Pat play some of opera’s great works around a theme of triumph and celebration. Get ready to humm, sing, and dance along to these heart-pumping pieces!