Opera is a tricky world for the novice.
Understanding this glorious art requires patience and a willingness to learn. Most opera is hard to comprehend because it carries the strength of centuries of tradition behind it. It is a glorification of the human, however, and understood in that respect, it can bring the viewer to great heights of understanding and self-awareness. Opera is a mixture of singing, dancing, stage design and elaborate costuming. It is often spectacular due to it's roots in European aristocracy.