Do All Classical Music Stations Play Opera on Saturdays?
Contents
We all know that classical music stations play opera on Saturdays, but do they really have to? Is there any other time that would be more suitable? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of opera on Saturday mornings.
Introduction
No, not all classical music stations play opera on Saturdays. In fact, many classical music stations don’t play opera at all. There are a number of reasons why this may be the case, but the most likely reason is that opera simply isn’t as popular as other genres of classical music. This is reflected in the fact that, while there are a number of dedicated opera stations, they are outnumbered by those that focus on other genres such as symphonic and chamber music.
What is opera?
Opera is a form of drama presented in music. It is usually sung in a foreign language, with the action usually taking place in a country other than where the opera is being performed. The music of an opera is written by a composer and the libretto (words) are written by a poet or dramatist.
The first operas were written in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, but the form did not become popular until the mid-17th century. The first public opera house was built in Venice in 1637. Opera flourished in Italy, France and Germany during the 17th and 18th centuries. Many operas have been written since then, but only a few have remained popular.
What is classical music?
Classical music is a broad term that usually refers to the period of music from 1750 to 1820. This era spans the time of Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn. It is sometimes referred to as the “Age of Enlightenment” because of the changes that took place during this time in art, literature, philosophy, and politics.
Do all classical music stations play opera on Saturdays?
The answer to this question is a resounding NO! In fact, there are very few classical music stations that play opera on Saturdays, and even fewer that play opera exclusively. The vast majority of classical music stations play a mix of classical and non-classical genres, with opera making up only a small portion of their overall programming. There are a few notable exceptions, however, including WGBH in Boston and WQXR in New York City, both of which feature opera prominently in their Saturday programming.
Conclusion
After surveying a variety of classical music stations around the country, it appears that not all of them do in fact play opera on Saturdays. However, many of them do feature opera as part of their regular programming. So if you’re a fan of opera, be sure to check your local classical music station to see if theyfeature it!
