Opera: Passion, Politics & Power - V & A Museum

Nice review, indeed it can only be a snapshot. I also enjoyed it. Wearing heafdphones and being totally immersed in it was wonderful and made it more enjoyable than say a visit the The Scala Museum.


It did get some discussion try the search function, or at a guess look into the One offs in London.

Worthy of its own thread.

Thank you, Mr Snow - I did try the search function before starting a thread but don't find that very reliable and drew a blank as usual.

I didn't think, someone in a tree, that the audio aspect was explained at all, let alone well, as when I entered the exhibition, a staff member thrust a handset and headphones upon me and gave me the operating instructions, but didn't mention what I should expect to hear, so after several minutes of music only when I had anticipated commentary (based on experience at other exhibitions and stately homes), I went back to ask if that was right and only then was I told that yes, it was music only. Whereupon I returned the items because - no offence to others who can cope with this and appreciate it - trying to look at the displays and read the labels whilst also listening to a soundtrack was just too much at once for me and made it hard to concentrate. Plus I wouldn't choose to listen to anything, be it music or speech, whilst doing something else, so I fared better without it.

If I went back for a second visit I'd try it with the soundtrack but I may not have time. I did like the fact that in the main museum, there were so many members of staff dotted about to answer questions and give directions, though I could have done without the security staff talking loudly in the exhibition area itself.

Yes, do go to see this, Dawnstar - absolutely no need for a headset; just a shame this isn't made clear. It sounds as though you have even more reason than I to prefer not to use one but we agree about not wanting commentary at the same time as looking at exhibits and this is one case when there is none, so it should be a case of less is more.

An hour and a half should be plenty. The final room features many contemporary performance excerpts and it depends on how many you want to see.

Personally I think the soundtrack adds so much and makes it special. Mostly it directly relates to what you are seeing u.e. makes it an Operatic experience. Without it I could get through everything in 30 mins.




Forced to listen to the Tannhauser overture!!!!