Ever wondered why classical opera composers and their librettists preferred warships to vessels earning a living by carrying pax or/and cargo? We too!

Apparently, the trend made its way into the 21st century, though, with a slight modification. It seems that the steel hulls have mesmerized the imagination of modern artists.

Just look at McVicar’s "Giulio Cesare" (music by Handel) presented in 2013 by the Metropolitan Opera. Here, Caesar comes to Cleopatra’s rescue on-board a fleet of battleships driven by steam! In the Oslo Opera's newest instalment of Britten's "Billy Budd," a sailing HM frigate has been converted into a modern HM submarine.

One thing’s for sure, the set designer must have been swamped with work preparing a 1:1 replica! Thanks to the platform OperaVision.eu you can see it with your very own eyes (and hear with your ears).

In February, "Billy Budd" was broadcasted live via the Web and is still available - either directly on OperaVision.eu or through YouTube. "Handsomely done, my lad!"