MUSI 1001 : Opera - Beethovan and Mozart.docx

• School: Carleton University
• Department: Music
• Course: MUSI 1001
• Professor: John Higney

Document Summary

Introduction of vocal ensembles in opera (multiple characters sing simultaneously. Each character sings their individual response to the dramatic action. Often used to close the act (instead of atraditional exit aria" from baroque opera, provides better dramatic sense. Singspeil german opera, uses spoken dialogue instead or recitative. Mozart"s music is theatrical and perfectly suited to opera. Juxtaposition of themes with different characteristics match swift changes in mood and colour. Libretto by lorenzo da ponte mozart principle librettist during the 1780"s had to beat the quite strong censorship (stationers company in england) An opera critical of the aristocracy of the time. Deaf began around 1796, lost the ability to distinguish high pitches, loud noises cause pain. 1809-1814 he couldn"t hear enough to perform as a pianist, he was someone who did well performing and teaching, had to have people raise their voices. 1818, visitors wrote in his conversation books, cooool stuff in there.