Today, one page of our website experienced a 1 h surge: about 600 unique visitors landed there after doing a highly specific search on Google. The question was relevant and our (non-commercial) site ranks 1rst for this question, so while unusual this can be explained except for one thing: all those visitors were using the Opera Mini browser on a mobile device connected to a service provider that Google Analytics calls "Opera software asa". Also, the surge peaked at 11 am GMT+1 and then was basically over (no tail). Any idea of what happened?
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posted by elgilito
on Apr 25, 2013 -
5 answers
Someone once told me that a lot of the distinctive "sound" of opera developed as a way to be heard without amplification. Two specific claims I remember: diphthongs are separated into multiple monophthonic syllables, and phonemes which are hard to sing loudly are replaced by easier ones (which sometimes don't even exist in that language). There were others relating to actual singing that I forgot. Does anyone know of a good discussion of this topic that talks about biomechanics and acoustics? Not to ignore artistic and historical considerations, but I'm looking for a somewhat technical discussion. In particular, I'd love to see a comparison with singing styles developed for amplification and recording.
posted by d. z. wang
on Feb 23, 2013 -
3 answers
I am seeking the name of a film, set in post-apocalyptic Sydney (Australia). I could have sworn it had Cassandra Harris in it, but IMDB disagrees. It was filmed and was set in in the early- to mid-80s, and had a bunch of people running around trying to escape the nuclear fallout that hit the Opera House and ended up in the northern beaches. The film wasn't necessarily good, but it resonated. Can you name the film? Thanks!
posted by goo
on Feb 9, 2013 -
7 answers
Rhapsody's catalog is pretty good, but poor search and spotty album info are making me unhappy. I want to be able to choose albums and tracks to stream, so I'm not looking for radio. Opera is my priority. Can you help?
posted by markcmyers
on Feb 8, 2013 -
7 answers
I understand that a lot of musicals are basically theatrical performances with lots of music; however, what about musicals like Les Miserables that are told entirely through song? Why don't we call them operas as well?
posted by jamincan
on Jan 18, 2013 -
19 answers
Opera won't load Facebook on my computer about 75% of the time. It tells me "Internal Communication Error: You tried to access the address http://www.facebook.com/, which is currently unavailable." I am using a Mac. Facebook is not down, and other browsers work fine.
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posted by Nattie
on Jan 18, 2013 -
9 answers
I suddenly realized this morning that of all the recordings of Philip Glass I've got, I don't have
Einstein on the Beach. And now I want to listen to it. If Amazon had only one or two versions, I'd just buy one and be done with it, but there are over half a dozen different productions to choose from... Which one should I buy, if I'm only going to buy one?
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posted by ardgedee
on Jan 14, 2013 -
7 answers
I would really love to truly enjoy the magic and beauty of opera, but I'm a complete novice. While I have enjoyed Broadway style musicals since I was a child, opera has escaped me. Are there any books, specific productions or recordings I should read, watch or hear?
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posted by BrianJ
on Sep 28, 2012 -
28 answers
What words are the chorus singing beginning
here in Knee Play 4 of Philip Glass's “Einstein on the Beach”? Alas much googling has failed me.
posted by nfg
on Sep 10, 2012 -
7 answers
Are there any MeFites who go to
The Met: Live in HD performances at their local movieplexes? In particular, did anyone catch the
Ring Cycle in 2010 (in person or via Live in HD)? It's playing again over the next few weeks, and I'm trying to decide whether to commit the time and money for more than
the new documentary about the production. I'd love to hear your opinions about the Met performances in particular, and about "live performance at the cinema" in general.
posted by catlet
on May 2, 2012 -
9 answers
Settle A Couple's Fight: Has there ever seen a case , in a situation where the composer of the music and the writer of the words are separate people, the librettist is more famous and his contribution is popularly viewed as superior to the composer?
posted by The Whelk
on Apr 20, 2012 -
36 answers
How does Throat Coat tea work? Singers and people who use their voice professionally all seem to recommend Throat Coat to soothe vocal strain, but I'm interested in how it works. If I twisted my ankle, I wouldn't want to take a pain killer and keep running. Does Throat Coat contain some sort of herbal anaesthetic? Can anyone tell me how it works so well?
posted by surenoproblem
on Mar 23, 2012 -
6 answers
I love opera anyway, but I particularly love the "
Caro, Cara" duet from Handel's Faramondo. What are some similarly beautiful opera pieces I should hear?
posted by katillathehun
on Oct 8, 2011 -
14 answers
Opera Mini for Android using too much storage space that needs to be freed up.
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posted by 6550
on Oct 7, 2011 -
6 answers
Help me find the optimal web browser for my
ASUS eee Slate tablet PC. It is a fully functional PC in an iPad-like package. I love it, but I'm having a hard time finding a browser configuration that I like.
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posted by jeoc
on Aug 28, 2011 -
3 answers
Can anyone recommend a good opera blog? Opera the art form, I mean, not opera the browser.
posted by JanetLand
on Jun 7, 2011 -
4 answers
Looking for good theater, opera, ballet, musicals, etc in the DC metro area
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posted by wooh
on May 9, 2011 -
9 answers
I'm going to the opera! Will I be able to see okay? What about when I get fidgety? What do I wear?
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posted by troika
on Dec 29, 2010 -
17 answers
Any tools/tricks/plugins for surfing the internet with more than one browser at a time? I use Firefox, Opera, and Chrome all at the same time and want some way to get links and data from one to the other without continually copying and pasting.
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posted by meowzilla
on Sep 8, 2010 -
7 answers
First time at the opera: How can I get the most out of my first trip to the opera? On the weekend, I'm seeing Marriage of Figaro in English. Will it help to read up on the plot, beforehand? What can I do to make the experience as enjoyable as possible? What aspects should I keep an eye/ear out for? I have no experience with opera in my adult life.
posted by surenoproblem
on Sep 8, 2010 -
19 answers
I would love to find this great Barcelona hidden bohemian opera cocktail bar again, can anyone help?
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posted by alchemist
on Aug 23, 2010 -
3 answers
Is there a way to get a Flash player to work on a Wii? We were trying to watch a tv show off of abc.com using the Opera browser on the Wii and got stopped in our tracks after it requiring Flash. Please advice!
posted by raspsgirl
on Jun 11, 2010 -
8 answers
Is there a way to buy tickets for the National Grand Theater in Beijing while in the US? The website says that even if you order on the phone, you have to pick them up in person within 24 hours after ordering.
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posted by shazzam
on Feb 21, 2010 -
3 answers
Calling All Opera Buffs: My darling husband absolutely adores
Prince Igor (Alexander Borodin et al), but he's never experienced it on stage. He has a milestone birthday coming up and I would like to take him to a performance, regardless of where it might be: anywhere in the world is just fine. Metafilter opera buffs, do you know of any current or planned productions by a reputable opera company? Is there an information clearinghouse on opera productions I could consult if I need an alternative or can't pull this off soon? Thanks so much.
posted by carmicha
on Jan 27, 2010 -
7 answers
I'm interested in attending one of the upcoming
Met Opera HD live events at a local movie theater, probably for one of the Saturday Matinees in Savannah, GA. Does anyone have any experiences with this? Are there English subtitles? Is the audience etiquette generally better, worse, or about the same as a movie? Or are we likely to be two people among a dozen opera buffs?
It's been years since I've seen an opera, and that was usually in the $12 seats in the third balcony.
posted by KirkJobSluder
on Dec 29, 2009 -
12 answers
I have a Blackberry Curve running Opera Mini. I have a long list of rss feeds I read in Opera whilst out and about. How can I get them out of the phone and into a desktop rss reader?
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posted by quaisi
on Oct 1, 2009 -
2 answers
It is well-known that opera singers don't drink much milk because it makes phlegm and affects their voices, but what about cheese? Does that cause phlegm?
posted by Quillcards
on Sep 17, 2009 -
14 answers
I was just cast in an opera! Problem: I have never been in an opera before, and am not really a "musical" person. Please help me keep from falling flat on my face!
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posted by hermitosis
on Sep 14, 2009 -
9 answers
Does anyone know of a good English translation of The Trojan Women by Euripides in the public domain?
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posted by firemonkey
on Aug 22, 2009 -
2 answers
First ever opera audition this week and I’m terrified. Help me overcome my nerves and perform like a pro!
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posted by philotes
on Jul 7, 2009 -
11 answers
A little something for my biggest fan... seeking ideas for classical songs that I can sing and record for my 19-month-old nephew.
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posted by notquitemaryann
on Jun 26, 2009 -
16 answers
Is there a web browser for your home-theater PC that works like Opera on the Wii? Something where I can sit back on the couch and navigate using the remote would be ideal.
posted by smackfu
on Jun 16, 2009 -
3 answers
Trying to find an animated short film about opera that aired on PBS in [approximately] the late '90s.
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posted by alynnk
on Jun 11, 2009 -
4 answers
Song suggestions for a pregnancy-themed musical recital? (Broadway or opera preferred)
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posted by fermion
on Jun 3, 2009 -
19 answers
