I've been in a few (I'm a baritone) and seen a bunch. Some of the joys of the live aspect could not be replaced, such as the marvel of a highly trained, un-amplified voice reaching every corner of a large hall. Also, when the stage fills up, the astute listener can focus on different aspects of the presentation instead of being at the mercy of a director.
However, certain aspects of the experience would be enhanced. Everyone would have an ideal seat (about row 7,close to center), obviating the need for opera glasses. Weaker voices could still be heard, if mixed correctly. Camera angles could focus atttention at the story point for those unfamiliar with the libretto. And a production put forth with HDTV in mind could have enhanced production techniques, such as more vivid colors and dramatic lighting (that would be obstructive live), embedded cameras in the performance space, post production CG (think Wagner), or even bluescreen backdrops (the busy streets of Napoli, or a rolling sea).
As a supplement to the live tradition, the idea holds great promise. My only worry would be that with amplification and post production, Ashlee Simpson would go classical.
Finally, as an analogue, look at the DVD's for Cirque du Soleil. The well done efforts are awesome, and the straight two-camera vids are still worth watching, especially if access to the live experience is impractical. The technolgy of tv, however, makes an introduction to the esoteric much more attainable. The ambassadorship of the medium is, once again, undeniable.
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I've been in a few (I'm a baritone) and seen a bunch. Some of the joys of the live aspect could not be replaced, such as the marvel of a highly trained, un-amplified voice reaching every corner of a large hall. Also, when the stage fills up, the astute listener can focus on different aspects of the presentation instead of being at the mercy of a director.
However, certain aspects of the experience would be enhanced. Everyone would have an ideal seat (about row 7,close to center), obviating the need for opera glasses. Weaker voices could still be heard, if mixed correctly. Camera angles could focus atttention at the story point for those unfamiliar with the libretto. And a production put forth with HDTV in mind could have enhanced production techniques, such as more vivid colors and dramatic lighting (that would be obstructive live), embedded cameras in the performance space, post production CG (think Wagner), or even bluescreen backdrops (the busy streets of Napoli, or a rolling sea).
As a supplement to the live tradition, the idea holds great promise. My only worry would be that with amplification and post production, Ashlee Simpson would go classical.
Finally, as an analogue, look at the DVD's for Cirque du Soleil. The well done efforts are awesome, and the straight two-camera vids are still worth watching, especially if access to the live experience is impractical. The technolgy of tv, however, makes an introduction to the esoteric much more attainable. The ambassadorship of the medium is, once again, undeniable.