Is any opera story literature-worthy?

[Pardoner]

I'd like to slowly tell opera stories to my young child. Then when he's aware of the story I can introduce the songs.

But any opera I've seen so far has pretty lousy story lines.

[kev67]

I do not know much about opera, but that surprises me. Carmen was based on a short story by Prosper Mérimée. Otello was based on Shakespeare's play Othello. Tristan and Isolde was based on an old Celtic legend.

[JBI]

Many regard Wagner's Ring Cycle as having high literary value. That being said, I like to think of opera as something that should be seen and heard, rather than read. That being said, I am also of the mind that Shakespeare's dramatic works should be watched primarily and read closely secondarily.

Works have intentions -- Opera is no different.

[stlukesguild]

I'll agree with JBI. Good to see you are still around.

[sandy14]

Tales of Hoffman has 3 stories which could work like fairy tales. The middle part of Coppelia & Hoffman might work. Rigalleto, Don Giovanni, The Pearl Fishers & the Marriage of Figaro could be adapted a bit and that might work too. Tristian & Isolde - the idea of a love potion causing all manner of trouble would be a fine tale - and probably be be better without Wagner's renowned brevity. The Pearl Fishers - all of them could make bedtime stories that would not be too far off fairy tales.

[ajvenigalla]

I’d say very likely if the opera is any good

The Greek choruses are sung, the epic poetry of Homer and the Old English bards was sung.

So there’s a conjunction between great music and great literature

Oh, and Shakespeare’s Songs in the play

[Jackson Richardson]

There are very few operas that are not based on a previous work, play, poem or story. Mozart's Cosi fan tutte and Verdi's Aida are exceptions.

The bizarre story lines W S Gilbert provided for Arthur Sullivan (the Savoy Operas, Mikardo etc) are totally original. Their acceptance in rather stuffy and old fashioned circles means their radical nature is often over-looked. The combination of Gilbert's black absurdity and Sullivan's charm give them thieir unique character.

[ennison]

Opera tales are like ballads out of control. All elemental passion with no social responsibility so most of the story lines are bonkers - like Shakespeare. Guess it's the tunes- unless you're Italian - that's the attraction

[Jackson Richardson]

Opera tales are like ballads out of control. All elemental passion with no social responsibility so most of the story lines are bonkers - like Shakespeare. Guess it's the tunes- unless you're Italian - that's the attraction

I wouldn't say that of Benjamin Britten or Verdi's Don Carlos or Mozart's three sex comedies. There's a cool irony in Cosi Fan Tutte of Figaro.

For a child, the tale of Mozart's Magic Flute is a strong possibility. particularly as there is some very approachable and hummable music.