Background opera music for a play

Well, we're kind of gonna have this play where the main villain is gonna be playing some opera music in his office, he's a real evil character, also it's gonna be played under a death scene where he shoots another guy so my question for you guys if you know any intense or on the verge of sounding grotesque opera pieces with lots of high in pitch opera singing that could heighten the atmosphere? Any tips would be appreciated, I'll look them all through and see what fits the most.

Pilfer Don Giovanni for stuff! Lots of cool shit in there...

Wozzeck maybe? How about some good ol' Ring Cycle? Wagner usually has high piercing sopranos!

How about some good ol' Ring Cycle? Wagner usually has high piercing sopranos!

Salome or Elektra would be better.

Why do you want it so in-your-face obvious and un-subtle? Opposites would be even more effective. Something beautiful, quaint, happy even. It would highlight the "evil" of the villain even more.

Das Lied Von Der Erde

Wagner would be my first choice to look at. I'm no opera expert, but I know that Wagner's sopranos are forced to sing outrageously high, and could fit what you are looking for perfectly.

Originally Posted by Stevemc90

Das Lied Von Der Erde

Beautiful piece by Mahler really, I reccomend it as well.

Originally Posted by IHoldThePenHaHa

Wagner would be my first choice to look at. I'm no opera expert, but I know that Wagner's sopranos are forced to sing outrageously high, and could fit what you are looking for perfectly.

I agree dang Wagner......, Although his flight of the valykerie is ok...

Originally Posted by Sir Violinist1

I agree dang Wagner......

At least I'm not a soprano...

*realizes that his statement is wrong* Never mind.

Christ-i get so sick of Wagner so quickly. My suggestion is something incredibly subtle. Something non operatic i would suggest would be Adagio in G Minor (T. G. Albinoni). However if you want something from an opera, something that would be nice and contrasting would be Fragments of a Prayer (John Tavener and Sarah Connelly). Or something that could be incredibly heavy contrast would be Verdi's Quid Sum Miser. that movement makes me go weeping lol.
Hope this helps.

I agree considering its for a play, just a background, not the forefront Try some of the 4 villian themes in Tales of Hoffman or Don Giovanni. They are evil, but subtle, they could work great.
Good Luck!