AboutMike Leone Expertise I have a special affinity for Italian opera, but I also have a lot of experience with French and German opera. I know somewhat less about opera from countries other than these, although there are some exceptions. My main area of interest is the period 1775-1925, although there are a few baroque and modern works that I love.
Experience I've been listening to opera since 1963 and have amassed a large collection of recorded opera during those years. My interest here spans the entire history of recorded opera, going back to its very earliest days.
Publications I have published a couple of lengthy reviews and a tribute to Mario del Monaco in Immortal Performances, have had some letters appear in Fanfare and have several reviews on amazon.com.
Education/Credentials B.A., University of Maryland 1973, M.A., University of Texas 1975, J.D., University of Houston 1998 (none of these degrees are in music).
Question I am 16...
Is it weird that I like opera?
All my friends pay me out.
Answer Hi James--
I am not familiar with the expression "pay me out," although I have a pretty good idea what it means.
I don't think it's weird that you like opera at the age of 16 or any other age. I liked opera when I was 16 and my friends paid me out as well. It's just a question of following your likes and dislikes. I doubt you are going to persuade any of your young friends to start liking opera--at least I wasn't able to with mine--although you may be able to influence some folks who have some interest in opera when you get older, maybe even just a little older. I had a chance to influence some folks when I was in college, for example.
Especially in this country, there is a tendency to look down upon people who are what I'll loosely call "intellectual." Not that I think there is anything all that intellectual about opera--it was in the 19th century what movies are today--but people see it that way. It's sad that we idolize our sports figures and movie stars and look down on our scientists, mathematicians and other "intellectuals." It's just part of what it means to live in the United States, I guess. Your friends probably have you branded as an intellectual and so, following the cultural mores of this country, think your love of opera is something to be despised and you to an extent with it. At least, that is what I went through.
Anyway, this is as good an opportunity for you to learn that your friends are not always going to agree with everything you say and do, which is no reason not to continue being true to yourself. Remember that opera will be around and loved, even if only by a minority, long after hip-hop and the other current forms of music are long forgotten. In the case of hip-hop, that day couldn't come soon enough as far as I am concerned, by the way...
