An Introduction to Beethoven's 'Fidelio' by Mel Cooper

Mel Cooper, Formerly of Classic FM and OperaNow Magazine is one of the leading experts in the field of Opera.
in his inimitable way he takes us through the opera scene by scene, but essentially this is for those who want to know what it's all about before they take the plunge.
More that a bluffer's guide to opera, this allows those who are going, or thinking of going to the opera for the first time to really get a grasp of the story and setting, along with some background detail. Before you go and see Fidelio for the first time, you should watch this!

[@brianferguson-connor2460]

Wonderful commentary. Thank you.

[@mrsrunningmommy]

I so wish you had more introductions. Your a wonderful story teller!
Thank you for these.

[@modchik78]

Very cool thank you for the summary and accessibility.

[@janetpetty7056]

So glad I found this - thank you for putting it into context for those of us who appreciate the music but don't speak German.

[@sierra1621]

This is wonderful. Thank you. I am finishing reading a biography of Beethoven and I was going landing on watching the opera. I am now really looking forward to it.

[@ColonelFredPuntridge]

Besides being influenced by the revolutions, this opera (and _Die Zauberflöte,_ and _Das Rheingold)_ are influenced by one of the most popular operas in Beethoven's time: Gluck's _Orfeo and Euridice._ The gender-ambiguous rescuer who goes on a mission underground to save her/his spouse, and who must control his/her emotions during the rescue mission in order for it to succeed.