Is it possible to learn opera music?

[Robert the List]

I understand that opera is a composition and performance, consisting of various pieces of music.

Some of these are well known, such as:
O Solo Mio
Casta Diva
Nessun Dorma
La Wally
The Barber of Seville Overture

Is it possible to learn a whole load of these to the extent that you could recognise and identify them if you heard them? and if so, would there be any point?
Would it be of any more benefit if you knew the composer and the opera to which they belonged? If so, is there any other information which is important to learn?

[ynwtf]

Random!
But yes, like with several things, the more you know of a thing the more likely you are to recognize characteristics of the thing. Musical artists, movie directors, painters, writers, etc., generally have unique styles and characteristics. I'd assume it's more on the individual as to whether they have the aptitude or just dedication to invest into learning those distinctions.

Not opera specific, but there used to be a game on the local NPR station in which the host would invite a guest pianist to play a song in the style of a specific composer. People would call in to 1) guess the song title, and 2) guess the composer based on the style of playing performed.

I personally hate the band "Creed," but I sure know a Creed song when I hear one! That's applicable to opera, sure. Art is broken down into various histories, styles, and movements. You can generally associate works with a time frame, movement, and even the exact artist if you are knowledgeable enough to recognize them.

As to the point of it all, personal interest, puzzle/problem-solving and curiously, professional career needs?

Things to help distinguish opera would be knowing the country of origin, the work's unique place in history of movements, then maybe down to the composer level. Composers from Germany would have a very different style compared to those from Italy. One Italian historical movement would have a very unique set of characteristics from another time period from the same country. One Italian composer within a particular movement in history would still have a unique style relative to another Italian composer of the same time period. etc, etc.

To bring this back to movies, reference Amadeus if you've not already seen it for a representation of some of these points.

[AgrippinaX]

I mean, I adore opera and grew up listening to it, I definitely 100% recognise different arias. Not always, of course, but quite often. I vaguely know French composer/conductor Jean-Christophe Spinoni and love his music. When I watched The Feast (Welsh horror film), I recognised my favourite aria of Spinosi’s in the opening credits within seconds. I then Shazammed it and it was what I thought.

Funny Games, I believe, also has a scene where the couple tease each other to immediately recognise the opera they listen to in the car. All in all, this is entirely possible, in my experience.

I saw a very ridiculous and terrible Le Nozze Di Figaro production just this last weekend, and recognised the arias I often drive or write to.

[Deadpan]

Not to be too glib, but if you're asking, the answer is kinda "no". The people who recognizes opera's by ear don't ask if it's possible to learn opera.

[gbgoodies]

100583

[liscarkat]

To learn about it? Sure, just listen to it and read about it.

To learn to compose it or perform it? Sure, but that's a lot more involved and difficult. You might want to start at a young age.