I just heard the most beautiful sound ever made by humans.
I’m talking about The Flower Duet from the opera Lakme. I don’t know much about opera, but it’s apparent the composer, Delibes, overheard two angels singing and stole the music.
Whenever I hear it, my eyes close. I can feel an intent, slightly pained expression taking over my face as I shake my head slightly, dreamily from side to side. It probably looks like I’m having an attack.
As the two voices climb the scale, my eyebrows climb also until they are all but hidden under my hairline. At the crescendo, a shiver runs up my back. I usually cry. Not a lot – just a little bit of welling. But still.
I try not to listen to The Flower Duet too often. I don’t want to get desensitized – like a drug addict who needs more and more to get a fix. I learned this lesson the hard way. I used to have it on tape, but I abused it. I don’t really want to talk about it. Now I know my limits. I can’t own it – I just visit the song on rare, special occasions.
I’ve provided a link to a version of The Flower Duet on YouTube. Just a few words of warning. Do not operate heavy machinery while listening, in case your eyes close involuntarily. And if you’re in the presence of others, assure them that you are not having a seizure or a severe gas attack.
You’re just enjoying art.
Peg-o-Leg's Ramblings 
Ahhh….’tis lovely! I never knew the name of this piece. I am happy that I no longer will think of it as “that car commerical song.”
Thanks for sharing!
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A little internet digging shows that this music was used in Lincoln, Fiat and British Airways and also Godiva Chocolate ads for those of us who are not regualr opera atendees.
I love this BA commercial:
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It has been used in tons of commercials, but the BA one is very cool! And that version of the song has a bit of an eastern flavor to it, don’t you think?
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Gave me chills and made me tear up, too!! Love good art.
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I always suspected you were secretly “culture-fied”.
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The eyebrows — do they retreat back to their normal position after the performance or is this some sort of permanent side effect?
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Strictly temporary. No eyebrows are harmed in the listening to classical music.
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