The Popularity of Opera Among Teenagers Before the Rock and Roll Era

When discussing popular music genres, opera is often overlooked, especially in the context of teenager popularity. However, before the rock and roll era, opera held a significant place in the hearts and minds of young people, particularly teenagers. This article explores the popularity of opera among teenagers, highlighting how it was a social and cultural phenomenon that predated the rise of rock and roll.

Opera’s Golden Age and Distribution

Opera was not just a genre of music that was revered, but it was also a commercial success, especially in the mid-20th century. Even during the 1960s, opera albums were highly sought after, with many genre-defining works achieving commercial success. A prime example of this is the aria "Vesti La Guibba" by the legendary opera singer, Enrique Caruso, which sold over one million copies, also becoming the first single to achieve this milestone.

Despite its image as an ancient and elitist art form, opera performances in theaters could be just as exciting and engaging as rock concerts during the 1960s and 1970s. In fact, some operas or shows drew audiences willing to camp out days or even weeks in advance for front-row seats. In 1965, a dramatic event took place in New York's Metropolitan Opera where fans slept on the streets for days to catch the renowned diva Maria Callas in her first appearance after an eight-year absence in the role of Tosca.

Social and Cultural Impact

Much like the music of ideals like Elvis or the Beatles, opera fandom sometimes erupted into chaotic behavior. In Italy, it was not uncommon for opera houses to experience mass fighting between fans of different singers, leading to the employment of police as mediators. In some cases, police were even stationed in advance to prevent such conflicts.

Opera’s allure extended to the sex symbol category. Notable tenors like Maria Lanza and Franco Corelli were not only musically gifted but also attractive to young audiences. Their appearances became events, with young female fans often rushing towards the stage in a frenzy. In Corelli's case, safety measures had to be put in place, including the posting of security guards in front of the orchestra pit, due to the risk of fans falling into the pit while cheering. This level of fan behavior can be compared to the enthusiasm of teenage audiences for rock stars, such as Elvis or the Beatles, though it was previously a phenomenon associated with opera.

The Emergence of Teenage Culture

The rise of opera among teenagers during this period is fascinating in the context of how it influenced and prepared the way for rock and roll. It is important to note that before the rock and roll era, there was no distinct concept of "teenagers" as a demographic with specific cultural preferences, economic buying power, and a desire for independence. The idea of teenagers as a targeted market for music didn't exist until the post-World War II era of prosperity in the United States.

With the emergence of teenage culture, teenagers were a "thing," and rock and roll became a cultural export that paralleled the rise of this demographic. The rise of rock and roll and the rise of teenager culture reinforced each other, creating a new form of cultural rebellion and exploration.

Pre-1950s, it was rare for music to be created specifically for younger audiences because this group was not considered a distinct market. It was only after this period that the idea of creating music targeted towards teenagers began to emerge, largely due to their growing economic influence and cultural presence.