Chapter 27 - Romantic Opera and Musical Theatre to Midcentury

Question 1

A common theme in Romantic productions was _________.

Answer 1

Nationalism

Question 2

Birth and death dates: Gioachino Rossini

Answer 2

1792-1868

Question 3

When did Rossini retire? How many operas did he write?

Answer 3

1829 after writing 39 operas

Question 4

At the Bologna conservatory Rossini was influenced by whose music?

Answer 4

Mozart and Haydn

Question 5

Rossini was a leading influencer in what style of opera?

Answer 5

The Bel Canto style

Question 6

Rossini’s works begin to give what elements of the opera more dramatic importance?

Answer 6

The orchestra and chorus

Question 7

In Bel Canto arias, there are usually three loose structural sections. What are they?

Answer 7

• The slower lyrical Cantabile (with orch. intro)
• The Tempo di Mezzo or transitional section
• The Cabaletta which is quicker and more action oriented

Question 8

What is the tempo di attacco?

Answer 8

This is the transition into the singing during ensemble numbers

Question 9

When did The Barber of Seville Premier?

Answer 9

1816

Question 10

Birth and death dates: Vincenzo Bellini

Answer 10

1801-1835

Question 11

What is Bellini’s best known work, what kind of opera did he write and what was one of his style characteristics?

Answer 11

Bellini wrote opera seria and Norma is his best known work. He tends to write and stage highly impassioned, virtuosic solo singing as a centerpiece.

Question 12

Birth and death dates: Gaetano Donizetti

Answer 12

1792-1848