How to Write an Opera

When people hear that I write operas I often get asked simply 'How?' To write an opera is obviously an enormous undertaking and in this video I take you through some of the steps that were involved to create my recent opera 'Nothing' which premiered in Glyndebourne a few years ago. Huge thanks to Glyndebourne for the amazing experience I had working with them on this opera, and also the Royal Opera House who co-commissioned it.

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[georgemarshall]

“...long sessions down the pub...”

I’ve suddenly got the desire to write an opera.

[Lamadesbois]

Thank you so much for this. It is really inspiring how YouTube by allowing independent broadcasters like you to share their views, can make the quality and diversity of the content reach unprecedented levels. Your input is really valuable, and your time and efforts are deeply appreciated.

[JStrange]

"Nothing" looks and sounds pretty amazing. Be sure to let us know if it ever comes to the U.S.!

[WombieFerguson]

Please tell me that after the newborn comes out, he belts out a show-stopping high note to raucous applause.

[MrSbunk]

I was in the Aarhus production of ‘Nothing’ and it’s a truly wonderful opera! Thank you for the beautiful music

really cool video! i am 16 and starting to write an opera right now! this is helping a lot! thank you

[txsphere]

Important lesson: take your librettist to the pub and liquor him up for an easy working relationship.

[jamesbrianengay]

I love how you put "How to write an opera" to an excerpt of Verdi's "Requiem" that is an "opera in ecclesiastical robe".

[LisztyLiszt]

Great video. One of the things I like about opera is the virtuosity of the singers. When I get to see Tristan live for example I'm just amazed at how the singers can remember such an amount of not very melodic music and have the stamina to sing it for 4 hours with all the technical demands Wagner places on them. Even physiologically speaking it's like some kind of black magic.

[roseberelowitz]

I was the youngest member of the Nothing chorus when it was performed at Glyndebourne, it was the most memorable opera I have ever been in and is why I am perusing a career as an opera singer today. Thank you David and Glyn!!!!

[Katiemadonna]

This has been a remarkable video. I am inspired and also grateful for the resources and examples you provided! Thank you!

[ollybowes]

Thank you David! This was fascinating! I've just finished work on my first opera, based on Dorian Gray (we're performing in July!) - I totally agree on the librettist front, 'cause I tried to do it myself for about 3 months, and then was lucky enough to find someone to do it better!

[Alpha-Andromeda]

David would you consider making for us a video of the technical differences between an opera and a musical? 🍀

[Kovukingsrod]

I really really want to see Nothing now

[James_Bowie]

Thank you for another hugely interesting episode. Everything you say here is invaluable.

As to the perennial question of what comes first the words or the music, I like to recount the experiences of Richard Rodgers. With Larry Hart he mostly had to write the music first in order to get the alcoholic and depressive Hart to sit down and write some words, which Hart could often then do brilliantly in short order. Later, when working with Hammerstein, Oscar needed to write the songs first having studied and contemplated the plot over a long period and then let Rodgers put them to music -- which suited Rodgers best.

[haydenthetoyologist]

I'm trying to write an opera based on the movie "Five Feet Apart." I am blind, so the operas with recitatives are best to listen to for me. If you have seen the movie, you probably know the two lovers die at the end. The way I plan to lighten the opera a bit is by including scenes involving a random ice cream truck driver just driving by playing his tune. And to add a little positivity to the end of the whole thing, I plan for him to be slowly driving behind the funeral procession playing "Silent Night" basically telling the audience the lovers will be "sleeping in heavenly peace."

[kenhimurabr]

Great video, David! It surely will help me with this "monstrous" task of opera writing! Thank you very much!

[Samkaildyke]

A really fascinating insight! I love the idea of writing a ten minute opera- as you said it sounds like a great way to get a foot in the door... and from what you showed of 'Nothing' I have to say - what a fantastic work!

[jeffwatkins]

Thanks for this...wonderful to hear a working composer explain these complex difficulties in a clear reasoned way. I've no questions about how to write an opera, just how to get one on the stage. But that's not your worry. In all events, congratulations for your friendly reception, the excellent work, and thanks again for your insights.

[johannesbowman]

Thank you thank you thank you for all of the beautiful music from your opera. The bleakness, the savagery is so oddly moving. It almost made me cry!