Don Giovanni

Mozart's Don Giovanni blends melodrama, dark action, and comedy. I think you probably have to see it in person to find it comic - just listening to it, Don Giovanni seems like the worst kind of human being. Cleveland Opera's production was beautiful nonetheless.

Here, I have depicted a scene from the first act: a wedding party proceeding through a plaza in front of Don Giovanni's castle. Don Giovanni stands to welcome them into his home (with nefarious intent, of course).



You can read more about the opera here.

You can listen to the Cleveland Opera performance here.

Ernani

Verdi's Ernani takes place in Spain in 1519 , based on a play by Victor Hugo. In the scene shown here, a plot is hatched (and overheard) in the burial crypt of Charlemagne. Nathan Davis helped recreate Charlemagne's sarcophagus, which can be seen in non-Lego form here.



You can learn more about Ernani here. You can listen to tonight's gorgeous recording here.

Don Pasquale

Don Pasquale is an enjoyable comic opera by Gaetano Donizetti. In the scene here, Norina spends some time on her terrace.













You can read about the opera here. You can listen to the broadcast here.

Andrea Chenier

I have depicted here the final scene of Andrea Chenier, an opera set during the French Revolution. The hero and heroine sing together one last time before stepping onto the cart that will take them to the guillotine. Let me tell you, a guillotine for Legos is probably the most fun thing I've made to date.

You can read more about this opera here.

You can listen to Sean Bianco's broadcast of the opera, starring Placido Domingo, here.

By popular request, here is a close-up of the Lego guillotine. Note the basket of heads.

Aida

Set in ancient Egypt, Aida is one of the most well-loved grand operas. Here is my rendition of Act 1, set in a hall of the king of Egypt's palace. The libretto specifies that Egyptian architecture is visible through the rear gates.

You can read more about the opera here.

You can listen to tonight's recording here.

I hope to Lego the crypt scene (Act 4) soon, as well.

Die Fledermaus

For New Year's Eve, Sean played Die Fledermaus (The Bat). This special gala production included an extended scene where special guests sang arias for those attending an on-stage ball. I have depicted one such aria.



You can listen to this special broadcast here. Read more about Die Fledermaus here.

Happy new year!

My Apologies

Lego Opera appears to have taken an unplanned hiatus. I assure you it is only temporary. I am in my final year of work to achieve my Masters Degree in Public Health, which (much to my chagrin) takes precedence over Legos. But not over opera. I am still listening to Friday Night at the Opera and will begin to Lego again as soon as my academic load lightens.