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Sat, 15 Jul 2000 15:35:25 -0700 |
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While reading a specialist computer publication, I came across an insert
advising me of a new web site specializing in classical opera. Intrigued,
I hastened to the site and took a look around.
In general, the site is what it claims to be. Streaming audio and video
centered on classical music with an emphasis on opera. Currently the site
has eight channels with 5 devoted to opera, 2 to orchestral music, and one
devoted to interviews with classical musicians. In general, I am quite
impressed but I will leave it up to you to decide if the site deserves
more than a cursory visit.
Now that I have praised the site's efforts, let me share with you my
disillusionments about a site that could really provide a much needed
service. Of the five channels that continually broadcast opera or choral
music, not one, to my hearing, broadcasts a complete opera or oratorio.
So be prepared for selected arias and choruses. In general, in opera
and choral music, that is not bad but it would be nice to have the option
to listen to a complete Tristan or Carmen at will. I also do not recall
hearing any solo vocal music-that would be nice-Schubert, anyone? The
two orchestral channels fall into the "bleeding chunks" category as well
as an overuse of bubblegum music. Sorry, but with all the music that is
available, I cannot tolerate another "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" or
"Spring" or "Jupiter" solo. These web sites have no verbal advertising to
speak of so there is no excuse to play one movement of an extended piece of
music. As I have written to other web sites who practice this tactic, what
would your listeners say if you only played the first two minutes of a
Beatles "song"?
The site is aesthetically pleasing and even shows a scrolling marquee of
the currently played selection but it is content and not fluff that should
carry the day. I have relayed my comments to the webmaster and I await his
reply. In the meantime, the website address is
http://www.operadio.com
Happy Listening.
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