MUSI 1001 : Opera - General.docx
1 May 2012
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Document Summary
A dramatic work in which the actors sing some or all of their parts. Usually makes use of elaborate stagesets and costumes. Emerged in the northern italian cities of florence, mantua, and venice. First promoted by a group of humanist thinkers called the florentine camerata. An attempt to recreate the style of ancient greek drama. Usually based on a story drawn from history and mythology of ancient greece and rome. An expression and flexible style of solo singing for the stage. Allowed the singer to move imperceptible from one mood to another. Soon transformed into two different and contrasting vocal styles: the recitative and aria. Expresses the drama"s actions (lots of gestures) Musically heightened speech more speech than music. Often consist of rapidly repeating notes followed by one or two long notes at the ends of phrases. Accompanied only by basso continuo (continues throughout, harmonizes) Used to express the character"s emotion that results from the preceding portion of the drama.
