The operatic themes moved gradually from Tannhäuser and Lohengrin to Parsifal.

Now, to benefit the Metropolitan Opera Guild, an educational and fund-raising division of the opera, the shops are selling fruit preserves with operatic themes.

"I think Roger saw his own life in terms of tragic, operatic themes, as kind of theater in itself," Dr. Bruner said.

Balanchine tells a good story, derived, as is Vittorio Rieti's score, from operatic themes by Bellini.

It follows a more operatic theme, complete with stage directions and various acts.

Not surprisingly, "Anna Karenina" attracted the most musical adaptations, since its theme of ungovernable, destructive passion is the quintessential operatic theme.

A classical score accompanies the show's interludes, tying in with the show's dark, operatic theme.

Subtitled "In Modo di Scena Cantante," it takes the operatic theme even more literally.

This sustained the operatic theme of the weekend, and turned out to be the most powerfully affecting production of the three.