The Palais Garnier Paris France

Earlier this month Classic FM compiled a list of 10 of the world's most breathtakingly beautiful

opera houses. Of course most of the venues were obvious choices with one or two surprises thrown

in like choice No 2, The Teatro Amazonas, a grand opera house set in the heart of the Amazon

rainforest. Although surprisingly there's no mention of La Scala theatre in Milan, seen as the home of   Grand Italian Opera.

The top choice of the Palais Garnier in Paris is certainly a spectacular looking venue, although that top image here is actually the main Gold Auditorium where they sometimes put on fashion shows.

And the actual Palais Garnier theatre is also home to Ballet performances.

CLASSIC FM's LIST OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OPERA HOUSES.

1.  Palais Garnier, Paris.   2. Teatro Amazonas, Manaus.  3.  National Centre for The Performing Arts, Beijing.   4. Royal Opera House, London.  5. Sydney Opera House.  6.  Teatro San Carlo, Napoli.

7. Teatro La Fenice, Venice.  8. Cairo Opera House.  9. Oslo Opera House.

No 10.  Copenhagen Opera House.

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When I first heard the climax and finale of Verdi's La Traviata I knew I had stumbled onto

music that was on a higher plane. I think it was something I was always looking for, something 

that went just that little bit further.

I think we live in a world where most people are happy to listen to the music that they know best,

never experimenting or seeking out new genres. But the climax of this mid 19th century drama

with it's sheer power, tragedy and finality becomes an assault on the senses and I'm often left

with my ears buzzing after enjoying a listen on the headphones at the highest bearable volume.

It makes me feel like I'm right down there in the orchestra pit listening to it the way it should

be heard.

Interestingly La Traviata was first premiered in 1853 at the Teatro La Fenice in Venice,

Classic FM's number seven choice of best opera houses around the world.

Of course La Traviata was set in Paris in the mid 1800's but this production here features

the players wearing modern costume.

The leading soprano playing the role of the dying Violetta is played by Patrizia Ciofi.

Video kindly uploaded to youtube by Federico Vazzola.

 

Below:  My acrylic painting of the Maestro which does seem to move about a lot. It now sits

out in my private hallway outside my main room.