Just saw Puritani as first opera … didn’t love it - want to hear thoughts? | The Bel Canto Barrier

You are honest, and that is brave. I Puritani is a "singer's opera"—it is all about the voice, the high notes, the gymnastics. If you went expecting a gripping Netflix drama, you hit the "Bel Canto Barrier."

Bellini’s music is not about plot; it is about the suspension of time through melody. It is like watching an Olympic sport. You don’t watch gymnastics for the story; you watch to see if they stick the landing. If you didn’t love it, it’s not because you "didn’t get it"; it’s because that specific form of magic relies on a love for abstract vocal feats.

The Sovereign Solution:

1. Validate Your Taste: You do not have to love everything. Sovereignty means owning your "No."

2. Listen for the "Line": Next time, try to listen to the voice as a violin. Ignore the words. Follow the silver thread of the sound.

3. Try Verismo: If Puritani wasn’t your cup of tea, try Tosca or Carmen. Go where the blood and earth are. Find what’s most appealing to you.