Birth of French Opera Flashcards
what century did French opera arise in
Latter half of the 17th century
who is the most important man in the development of french opera
Jean-Baptiste Lully
When did Lully’s opera first premiere
1673, and produced one opera a year until 1687
What did Lully’s patent grant him in terms of rights to the opera?
gave him monopoly of opera in france for life, diminished any other persons rights to orchestration and amount of instruments/singers
what are characteristics of french Baroque Opera
A prologue and 5 acts, serious dramatic work based on greek mythology, large chorus integrated in the action, dance EXTREMELY important, musical scenes for the orchestra (symphonies)
What is the form of the french overture
slow (majestic, welcome the king, dotted rhythms)
fast (imitative counterpoint)
slow ending
What are the two types of recitatif
simple and mesure
what is recitatif simple
changing metres to better fit the scansion of the text, words not overpowered by the accompaniment. struct observance of what he wrote, no embellishment
what is recitatif mesure
stricter metre, arioso-like for emotional moments
what is an air
a kind of aria-lite. dance styles mark various airs.
what is the name of Lully’s most famous opera
Armide
what is the purpose of the prologue in french opera
usually the prologue has the overture, to welcome the king in all his glory. Then it moves to a dance and explains how awesome and glorious the king is
