Volksoper

roza4
roza4
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
Avg. Member Rating
3
Reviews
Editor Pick

Die Fledermaus at the Volksoper

  • January 24, 2007
  • Rated 3 of 5 by Mandan Lynn from Smithwick, South Dakota
We got our seats at the last minute for the Volksoper performance of the traditional opera Die Fledermaus on New Year's Day. (See "My Night at the Opera" for the process of securing the tickets.)

It wasn't so difficult as we thought it would be, because everyone was at the Staatsoper, which has the reputation for being the best around. This concerned me for all of two minutes, until I realized that I wouldn't know the difference between a superb opera and an average opera unless I could see them both, and since I can only see one—I'm sure the Volksoper will do a fine job. They're professionals, too, after all.

And a fine job they did. Those voices—I can't imagine possessing something so amazing.

The performance lasted 3 hours and 15 minutes, and included two intermissions. (After the first one, my brother said, "Is that all?") It was in German, of course, but the story was easy enough to follow, especially with the English subtitles displayed on the screen above.

I had never been to an opera, so I hadn't realized that this was customary. They weren't exactly subtitles—the dialogue wasn't translated word for word. They were more like little descriptions: so-and-so is upset because, so-and-so wants to go here because, so-and-so is pretending to do this because, etc. They were short but adequate. If they had been any longer, you would have spent all your time reading instead of watching the action.

If you want good seats— expensive seats—reserve in advance. If you want to take advantage of the standing room option or whatever inexpensive seats might be left, show up an hour before the performance.

Perhaps the opera isn't your thing, but I think it would be a shame not to see at least one in your life—and what better place to do so than in Vienna?

From journal Happy New Year, Vienna!

Editor Pick

Opera at Volksoper

  • April 1, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by g-champagne* from N/A, Switzerland
I wouldn't want to stand through an opera if I were given a choice of getting a seat, because it does get quite tiring. Unlike ballet, opera usually has one intermission and are about 3 hours long. But that being said, the cheapest way to see an opera is to get the standing tickets. In Volksoper, the 1.50€ standing tickets get you the spots all the way in the back row of the highest audience floor of the theatre. It gives you a great view of the stage as well as some part of the pit orchestra. Sometimes, if you get the spot that's one step lower than the spot behind you, you can even sit on the step and watch the performance without even standing! But these special spots are very limited. Go there early to get them. We watched Mozart's "The Magic Flute," so the entire opera was in German. Unlike Staatsoper or other theatres I know, there are no subtitle screens, so if you go for German-speaking operas, you better know the plot well beforehand.

From journal Vienna - City of Music and Culture

Volksoper

  • December 19, 2004
  • Rated 5 of 5 by roza4 from Cinnaminson, New Jersey
Cheapest seat on the floor – 6 euros, standing seats – 3 euros.

A modern building of Volksoper that has no remarkable features is located in the 9th quarter away from all the major sightseeing. You can get here by metro (line U6) or tram (40, 41 or 42). The metro station is across the street. Inside the opera house looks very nice with a large stage curtain that shows various mythological scenes and looks like a tapestry. There are several large modern chandeliers, purple velvet seats and purple Damascus walls on the floor and 4 levels of loggias on the left and right, as well as two balconies. Some seats on the floor are behind a column, but the columns are very narrow so you can see everything that’s happening on the stage. The ushers are somewhat arrogant, and cloak-room costs money.

We were here to see Mozart’s opera "Don Giovanni". The opera was a blast, even though it was in German without the subtitles. The comedy of Leporello, the drama of women’s arias, the attempt at dealing with fast changes of decoration in baroque theater by using curtain and parts of stage, the baroque rulladas and the final scene when Don Giovanni goes to hell – the opera was great. The singers had really very good voices and it was a very entertaining event. Very well done. The singer who was playing the part of Don Giovanni is a tall handsome blond Austrian, very much unlike the stereotype of the opera singers, but most definitely a perfect fit for the part.

From journal Travels in Austria - Vienna

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