Wherever you are in the Italian countryside, you can usually find the delightful sounds of opera.
That's because in Italy, opera--with its stories of love and life set to melody--is for everyone. So at twilight, that relaxed time of the evening when tension melts away, why not allow an aria (a single voice singing) to transport you and your guests with its own vibrant beauty? Here's how to host an opera night that will please all the senses.
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Pop a CD of Rossini's light and comic Barber of Seville into your player and help your guests imagine the story:
When the rascally barber, Figaro, cooks up a plan to help his former master win the heart of the lovely Almaviva, it's anybody's guess how the young girl's father will react. Love triumphs in this delightful favorite. |
Simply relax and let the solos, duets, and harmonies wash over you and your guests as you toast to twilight.
Everyone will agree: opera is about feeling, not thinking. So while you're enjoying a glass of Bella Sera Sangiovese and a taste of Eggplant Pesto Crostini, remember to feel the music. Then try listening for
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Emotion--Do you hear longing and joy? |
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"Hooks"--Can you hear catchy, repeated elements? |
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Ensembles--Can you sense when more than two people are singing together? |
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It's easy to enhance your
beautiful evening:
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A bowl of fresh figs. |
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Melon slices, wrapped in Italian ham. |
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Fresh fennel wedges. |
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Bella Sera Merlot. |
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Eggplant Pesto Crostini for Opera Lovers |
| Serves 6 |
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1/4 Cup High quality prepared pesto
1 Small globe eggplant, sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
1/4 Cup Shredded Pecorino cheese
1/2 loaf Slim French bread (baguette), cut into 1/2 inch slices
Olive oil, for brushing
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Brush eggplant on both sides with olive oil, then season lightly with salt and pepper.
Place on an ungreased baking sheet, then bake for 20 minutes or until soft.
Remove from oven, let eggplant cool, then chop coarsely.
Brush top side of bread slices with olive oil, arrange on baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes or until browned slightly, then remove from oven.
Layer the top of each slice lightly with pesto, then add a spoonful of eggplant.
Top with shredded Pecorino cheese and serve.
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Invite your friends and family with our Bella Sera invitation. You can easily create your own invitation using any one of our lovely beautiful evening backgrounds. |
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