AN OPERA PLAYLIST FOR COLORADO NATIONAL PARKS
Source: National Park Foundation
By: Angelica DiIorio
Many Coloradans love exploring the great outdoors. We have some music recommendations for your summer adventures inspired by the national parks of Colorado. These arias provide a wonderful soundtrack for any hike, run, or walk. Enjoy the sounds of our 40th Anniversary Season, with songs chosen specifically for your park of choice!
BLACK CANYON OF THE GUNNISON NATIONAL PARK
Source: National Park Foundation
Black Canyon of the Gunnison has an eerie quality as you walk through the narrow passage between the blue-tinted rock walls. It feels haunting but beautiful, much like the music in Korngold’s Die tote Stadt. This opera deals with grief and denial. It follows Paul, who finds new hope when he meets Marietta, the mirror image of his late wife, Marie. Paul is trapped in sorrow but catches glimpses of light in the distance—much like walking through a canyon.
“GLÜCK, DAS MIR VERBLIED” FROM KORNGOLD’S DIE TOTE STADT
The aria “Glück, das mir verblieb,” meaning “Joy, That near to Me Remains,” sings of how death cannot separate Paul and Marie’s love. As they said in WandaVision, “What is grief, if not love persevering?” Play this lush and melancholy melody when you need to take some time for yourself to clear your head.
COLORADO NATIONAL MONUMENT
Source: National Park Foundation
Dramatic, opulent, and larger-than-life. The Colorado National Monument is a fantastic display of many unique geological structures. Similarly, Turandot has a breathtaking quality with incredible sets, a large chorus, and many fantastical elements.
“GIRA LA COTE! GIRA!” FROM PUCCINI’S TURANDOT
Listen to “Gira la cote! Gira!” to experience the grandiose scale of this opera in a song where the townspeople gather to see what the fearsome Princess Turandot will do next during her terrifying reign.
GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK
Source: National Park Foundation
“Nessun Dorma” is one of the western canon’s most famous tenor arias. When Calàf sings “Nessun Dorma” in Turandot, he is waiting for the night to pass under a starry sky. After solving three riddles to win Princess Turandot’s hand, Calàf challenges her to discover his name before the night ends. It can be difficult to see stars if you live close to a city, so an International Dark Sky Park like the Great Sand Dunes is the perfect place to channel your inner Calàf.
“NESSUN DORMA” FROM PUCCINI’S TURANDOT
As you listen to this aria, think of staring up at a celestial sky and waiting for love to come.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK
Source: National Park Foundation
Even if you do not live in Colorado, you have probably heard of the Rocky Mountains. Rocky Mountain National Park is a favorite destination spot among hikers and “La donna è mobile,” sung by the Duke of Mantua in Rigoletto, is a favorite aria among opera lovers. You have probably heard this melody before, like in a pasta sauce commercial, and now you know its source.
“LA DONNA È MOBILE” FROM VERDI’S RIGOLETTO
Listen to this aria the next time you feel “mobile,” and its energy will keep you running up that hill!
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Whether you are listening to these songs as you explore a national park, summit a fourteener, or take a walk around your neighborhood, we hope you enjoy the sounds of our 40th Anniversary Season!