Can I enjoy the opera even if I don't understand Italian?
RYEH-skoh ah goh-DEHR-mee loh-peh-rah AN-keh seh non kah-PEE-skoh lee-tal-YA-noh.
A question from a non-Italian visitor, often asked at the box office or to a local companion. The answer is always reassuring.
Riesco a means I manage to or I am able to. Godermi is the reflexive form of godere (to enjoy). Anche se means even if. Non capisco l'italiano means I don't understand Italian. The question is philosophically central to the experience of opera.
Ci sono i sopratitoli?
Are there supertitles?
Electronic translations above the stage.
Con il libretto riesco a seguire?
Can I follow with the libretto?
Having the text helps enormously.
L'emozione passa anche senza capire le parole?
Does the emotion come through even without understanding the words?
The universal language question of opera.
Opera was always conceived as a total art form where music and drama work together. Puccini said that his melodies should be understood even by those who do not speak Italian. Many of the most emotionally powerful moments in opera — Violetta's death, Cio-Cio-San's farewell — are universally devastating regardless of language.