About.com

2013 Summer Classical Music Festivals

Sun, 12 May 2013 19:56:23 +0000

It may be wishful thinking, but now that warm weather has officially rolled in and taken stay and the flowers are in bloom I cannot get visions of summer out of my head. So to tide myself over for the time being, I thought I'd put together my annual list of summer classical music festivals. Though I'd like to list every single one, here are a handful of 2013 summer classical music festivals around the US that will surely be worth a visit.

Dido and Aeneas Synopsis

Sun, 05 May 2013 20:32:18 +0000

One of the earliest known English operas, Henry Purcell's first opera, Dido and Aeneas, is based on the Roman poet Virgil's Aeneid. It is believed the opera was first performed in 1688. After 325 years, the opera, having survived many rewrites and adaptions, is still quite successful today. Learn the synopsis of Dido and Aeneas.

"Percé jusques au fond du coeur" Lyrics and Translation

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 03:10:33 +0000

Wrapping up this week's look at Jules Massenet's opera, Le Cid, here is one last aria that gives insight into the protagonists heart. Sadly, I couldn't find a clip for you to listen to while you read the lyrics. If anything, it will give you a better understanding of the opera. Learn the lyrics and translation of "Percé jusques au fond du coeur."

"Pleurez! pleurez mes yeux!" Lyrics and Text Translation

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 01:13:47 +0000

Here's another great aria from Jules Massenet's opera, Le Cid. This sad soprano aria is sung by Chimene. Learn the lyrics and translation of "Pleurez! pleurez mes yeux!" and follow along with this YouTube clip of the magnificent Maria Callas.

"O noble lame étincelante" Lyrics and Translation

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 21:59:47 +0000

Get even more familiar with Massenet's opera, Le Cid, by listening to this energetic tenor aria sung by the opera's protagonist, Rodrigue. (I've included a link to the aria's video clip within the lyrics.) Learn the English translation and the French lyrics to "O noble lame étincelante."

Le Cid Synopsis

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 21:48:46 +0000

The once popular opera, Le Cid, composed by Jules Massenet with a libretto by Louis Gallet, Édouard Blau, and Adolphe d'Ennery, premiered in 1885, in the Paris Opera. The protagonist, Rodrigue, returns from a battle victoriously. After being knighted by the King, the King offers Rodrigue's father the position of Count. When the current Count, whose daughter is in love with Rodrigue, challenges Rodrigue's father to a duel, Rodrigue fights on his behalf. Unfortunately, Rodrigue mistakenly kills the Count, which devastates the daughter. Read the synopsis of Le Cid to learn how the story ends.

"Wie ein schöner Frühlingsmorgen" Lyrics and Translation

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 01:47:01 +0000

Here's a great aria from Marschner's opera, Der Vampyr. "Wie ein schöner Frühlingsmorgen" is sung by Aubry in the 2nd half of the opera. Listen to this YouTube clip while you follow along with the "Wie ein schöner Frühlingsmorgen" lyrics and translation.

Der Vampyr Synopsis

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 18:39:45 +0000

Here's a wonderful opera that is not as well known as those by the likes of Verdi, Mozart, Donizetti, or Rossini. Heinrich Marschner's Der Vampyr was composed in 1828, and was based on a play that was based on a novel by John Polidori (The Vampyre). The story focuses on the vampire, Lord Ruthven, as he attempts to add more years to his life by sacrificing three virgins. However, his dark secret is discovered by an old friend. Learn the story of this fascinating opera in this synopsis of Der Vampyr.

"Ah, pescator affonda l'esca" Lyrics and English Translation

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:15:13 +0000

Here's a great aria from Ponchielli's opera, La Gioconda, sung by Barnaba who is disguised as a fisherman. It's a delightful and cheery song sung to Enzo's crewmen with a not-so-nice ulterior motive of spying on them and gauging their strength. Learn the lyrics and English translation of "Ah, pescator affonda l'esca" and follow along with this YouTube clip.

La Gioconda Synopsis

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:28:54 +0000

During Verdi's famed year's of composition, it's hard to imagine any other Italian composer to get a word (or in this case, an opera) in edgewise. However, composer, Amilcare Ponchielli was able to do so. His opera, La Gioconda, was an instant success when it premiered in 1876 at the world renowned La Scala theater in Milan. Based on a play by Victor Hugo, Angelo, tyran de Padoue, the opera tells the tragic story of La Gioconda. She falls in love with a man who is in love with another woman. La Gioconda is determined to fight for her man, but before killing the other woman, she has a sudden change of heart. Learn more about this exquisite opera in this synopsis of La Gioconda.