In this much-anticipated episode, Scott, Karl, and Trent dig into what makes opera music so great, and why you should give it a chance if you haven't yet.  Whether you’re completely new to opera or just need a refresher, you're bound to learn something new.  Opera shares a root with the Latin word 'opus' meaning "to work, effort."  Scott says, "It's so tortured and so far removed from reality and normal ways of being, all to prove a point about the culture."  Karl adds, "It's something that you probably ought to know something about, just because it's such a peak of human artistic work." For many people, opera represents (whether this is understood positively or negatively) the very embodiment of “high culture.” But as Trent points out, "You're taking small, pedestrian moments and we're elevating their experience to the very height and grandiosity of the human experience."  From gateway pieces to start out with as a new listener to the basic types of voices you encounter in an opera, the trio covers all the bases. Tune in for more music and ideas, brought to you by onlinegreatbooks.com.    What We Mention:  La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini  Jonas Kaufmann - Turandot, Atto III: "Nessun Dorma" Delibes: Lakmé - Duo des fleurs (Flower Duet), Sabine Devieilhe & Marianne Crebassa Mozart: Don Giovanni, K. 527 / Act 1 - "Là ci darem la mano"