VPMA93H3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 8: Fugue, Character Piece, Recitative
Document Summary
French opera in the time of louis xiv jean-baptiste lully. Learned from cardinal mazarin and the events of his childhood the importance of centralizing state control. Opera first introduced to france through cardinal mazarin"s commissions of italian composers didn"t really catch on (luigi rossi and francesco cavalli) Made the gar on de chamber of madamoiselle de montpensier, an important courtier. In 1661, when louis xiv was made absolute ruler of france, lully was made the most important court composer. Was able to create a musical style for opera, which appealed to louis xiv and the french. French overture a two-part form with each part repeated. The first part is a slower processional featuring the heavy use of double dotting. The second is a faster section featuring lots of fugal counterpoint. Air (italian- aria) text set to more lyrical music in a less natural style. Used for moments where characters are reflecting on events in the opera (similar to a soliloquy).
