MUSI 3380 Lecture Notes - Da Capo Aria, Aria, Libretto
Document Summary
Overture: musically related to the rest of the opera, before it was independent from rest of production, composers use it to foreshadow, musical prelude. Orchestra: used more expressively, reflect ideas (storm raging, french influence. Aria vs. recit: reform begins to blur the distinction. Italian: aria was florid, recit was dry, french, aria was simpler, recit was more melodic, french influence, composers use more flexibility using them for dramatic purposes. Accompanied recitative: used for dramatic movements, used more flexibly throughout piece. Da capo aria: fewer, through composed, more flexible structure. Librettists are being more flexible: forms that fit to dramatic context. Vocal elaborations: cadenzas are discouraged, vocal showcase used only for important heightened drama, focus is no longer on the performer. In arias: moving away from da capo aria, embellishment is discouraged. Chorus/ballet: french tradition used chorus influence opera seria, chorus plays a bigger role, moments of ballet (french influence)
