How to easier memorize opera music?

Question:Good Morning All

I am in the chorus in the opera Lucia di Lammermoor. We have to memorize all of our music for the opera. For some reason I am having a really tough time with this particular opera as far as being able to remember the words. The music is not terrible, just the Italian words. Does anyone who possibly performs or anyone all at have any suggestions on a way to maximize my time so that I can memorize this opera?

Note: I work full time and only have evenings to work on this. I also have a family and don't have tons of time to constantly work on this. I am willing to do the work but looking for ways to maximize my time.

Thanks :)

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Good Morning All

I am in the chorus in the opera Lucia di Lammermoor. We have to memorize all of our music for the opera. For some reason I am having a really tough time with this particular opera as far as being able to remember the words. The music is not terrible, just the Italian words. Does anyone who possibly performs or anyone all at have any suggestions on a way to maximize my time so that I can memorize this opera?

Note: I work full time and only have evenings to work on this. I also have a family and don't have tons of time to constantly work on this. I am willing to do the work but looking for ways to maximize my time.

Thanks :)

Try writing the words if you memorize visually, or listen to the music if you learn by ear. I always had a hard time memorizing foreign languages when I sang Opera. If you can listen to it a little at a time, and then try to do each phrase, adding to it each time, it may make it simpler than just looking at the music and saying "CRAP!!" :) I understand! Good Luck!!! Ask your music director as well, if he or she has any tricks to memorize the music. The more you rehearse with a group, the easier it will be.

Cool.. Ok Just try if this works.. every line U say try to do some action with it.. Like link it up to some english words in ur mind.. so U can just kinda act it out with these funny meanings in ur mind.. That will help.. Its easier way to remember.. I hope U got it..:-)

What I would do is find the libretto at my local library and listen to a performance by an orchestra you really respect. Then treat it like a film that has a subtitle. If you can see it visually, you may have an easier time remembering. I hope this helps.