House of Cards: The Opera Music Connection

A lot of people don’t know this, but the music in House of Cards is actually opera. The show’s music supervisor, Nora Kroll-Rosenbaum, is responsible for finding the right pieces to reflect the show’s themes of power, betrayal, and sex.

The connection between House of Cards and Opera

Most people don’t usually think of opera when they think of House of Cards, but the connection between the two is actually quite strong. For starters, the show’s composer, Jeff Beal, is an accomplished opera composer himself. In addition, many of the show’s key scenes are scored with pieces of well-known operas.

One of the most famous examples is in season one, episode two, when Frank Underwood (played by Kevin Spacey) strangles a dog to death. The music that accompanies this scene is “B Accarezzame,” an aria from Verdi’s La Traviata. The use of operatic music in this scene serves to highlight the dramatic and violent nature of Underwood’s character.

Other examples include the use of “Largo al Factotum” from Rossini’s The Barber of Seville in season one, episode four, when Underwood is trying to outmaneuver his political rivals; and “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s Turandot in season three, episode thirteen, when Claire Underwood (played by Robin Wright) makes a major power play.

The use of opera in House of Cards underscores the grandiose and often over-the-top nature of the show itself. It also highlights the characters’ emotional extremes and their Machiavellian aspirations.

The benefits of listening to opera

Listening to opera can have many benefits for your mind and body. Opera can improve mental well-being, relieve stress, and increase concentration and focus. Opera can also boost your immune system and improve sleep quality. If you’re looking for a way to improve your mental and physical health, opera may be the answer.

Improved mental health

Research has shown that opera can have a positive effect on mental health, with benefits including reduced stress levels, improved sleep quality and increased feelings of well-being. A study by the University of Manchester found that listening to just 30 minutes of classical music – including opera – per day could improve sleep quality and reduce stress levels.

Improved sleep

Opera can help you sleep better. A study that was conducted in 2009 found that people who listened to 45 minutes of opera before bed fell asleep faster and slept more soundly than those who didn’t listen to any music at all. The music was found to be particularly effective in reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

Improved concentration and productivity

Opera has been shown to improve concentration and productivity. One study showed that workers who listened to opera while working were more productive than those who didn’t. The music of opera can help to focus the mind and keep it from wandering. It has also been shown to increase task enjoyment and creative thinking.

How to get into opera

Many people enjoy opera without even knowing it. They often like the music from The Phantom of the Opera, Carmen, or other well-known operas without realizing that they are listening to opera. Some people may think that opera is “old-fashioned” or “boring,” but it can actually be quite exciting. There are many different types of opera, and each one has its own story, music, and style.

Recommendations for beginners

Opera can be an acquired taste, but if you’re looking to get into it, we have a few recommendations on where to start.

If you’re new to opera, we recommend starting with more accessible works such as Tosca, La Bohème, or The Marriage of Figaro. These operas are relatively straightforward and contain some of the most well-known and beloved arias in the repertoire.

Another tip for getting into opera is to seek out performances that offer English supertitles. This will help you follow the plot and understand the words being sung. While it’s certainly not required, many people find it helpful to have a little guidance when they’re first getting into opera.

Finally, we recommend checking out our list of recommended recordings. These are great starting points for exploring differentoperas and getting a sense of what you like.

Have fun exploring opera!

Where to find opera music

Opera music can be found in a variety of places, but the most common place to find it is in an opera house. Opera houses are specially designed theaters that are built to showcase operas. These theaters usually have a large stage that can accommodate a full orchestra, as well as a balcony or mezzanine level where the singers can perform.

In addition to opera houses, operas are sometimes performed in other types of theaters, such as Broadway theaters or movie theaters. Sometimes, operas are even performed in outdoor venues, such as parks or amphitheaters.

If you’re interested in seeing an opera, you can check your local theater listings or look for advertisements in your local newspaper. You can also search for opera performances on the internet.

The future of opera

The House of Cards series on Netflix has been praised for its writing, acting, and cinematography. However, one element that often goes unnoticed is the series’ use of opera music. From the opening credits to specific scenes throughout the show, opera music is carefully woven into the fabric of House of Cards. But why opera? What does this type of music add to the show?

The popularity of opera

Opera has been around for centuries, and it shows no signs of waning in popularity. In fact, opera is enjoying a renaissance of sorts, with more people attending live performances and watching operas on television and film than ever before.

Opera is a unique art form that combines music, drama, and often dance into a powerful and emotive experience. It can be entertaining, thought-provoking, and even life-changing. If you’ve never experienced opera before, you’re in for a treat.

There are many different types of opera, ranging from light-hearted comedies to tragic love stories to political thrillers. Whatever your taste, there’s an opera out there for you. And with new operas being composed all the time, there’s always something new to discover.

If you’re interested in learning more about opera, we recommend attending a live performance or renting an opera on DVD or Blu-ray. You can also find many excellent resources online, including streaming services that offer operas from all over the world. Whatever your preferred method of discovery, we hope you’ll take the plunge and explore the wonderful world of opera!

The decline of opera

Though it once enjoyed immense popularity, opera has been in decline for some time. As classical music has become increasingly marginalized and highbrow, opera has struggled to stay relevant. In recent years, attendance at live opera performances has fallen sharply, and opera companies have been forced to cancel productions and close their doors.

What is the future of opera? Can this art form make a comeback, or is it doomed to extinction?

There are many reasons for opera’s decline. One is that it is simply too expensive to produce. Opera companies require large orchestras, expensive sets and costumes, and world-class singers in order to stage a production. Many people can’t afford to see live opera, and prefer to watch cheaper alternatives such as film or television.

Opera is also seen as elitist and out of touch with modern life. Its arcane language and often unrealistic plots are off-putting to many potential audience members. And because it requires such a high level of musicianship, few people are able or willing to learn how to sing opera.

Despite these challenges, there are some who believe that opera can make a comeback. They point to the fact that attendance at live performances is still higher than it was a hundred years ago, when opera was far less popular than it is today. They also argue that new technology such as streaming services could help make opera more accessible and affordable. And they point out that there are many young people who are enthusiastic about this art form and are working hard to keep it alive.

Only time will tell whether opera can stage a comeback. But even if it doesn’t, this art form will always have a place in the hearts of those who love it.