T'weren't me, but a good post and start of a thread nonetheless.

Previously I made some remarks about good taste. I hope no one
thought I was talking about anyone _here_, but rather what passes
for middle brow culture-- like broadway musicals with classical
pretentions.

Similarly, I came to a bit of opera by not having any other
commercial-free radio on Sat. afternoon but the local Public.
Saturday Afternoons at the Met (brought to you by Texaco) has
been a long-standing habit now.

So imagine my chagrin at actaully _seeing_ (and hearing) a few
locally. Not the same. In the Theater of the Mind that is radio,
I could imagine those big New York Lincoln Center Sets: the
legacy of Gordon Craig in which well-heeled New Yorkers could
indulge. Local road companies are pretty pale by comparison--
pale and aften barely competent it seems.

All this is by way of saying I've seen and heard a bit of opera.

After seasons of Afternoon At The Met, for style, tempi and
general lack of hysterical sopranos (small 's') I've found that
"Nabuco" is my favorite to both listen to and imagine in setting.

But with that said, when they play "I Barbieri de Sevilla"
I still think of Bugs Bunny.