Opera Flashcards
How does the word majestic relate to opera?
Operas have a lot of drama, As well as elaborate sets and costumes, while still telling a simple story.
How does the word intimidating relate to opera?
Operas are very long, loud, and sung in a foreign language which makes them seem intimidating.
How does the word sustain relate to opera?
The continuous music in opera helps to sustain the mood, emotion, and interest in the opera. Also, opera singers must be able to sustain long notes.
How does the word evolution relate to opera?
The style of operas has evolved over the years with the help of composers such as Richard Wagner and Giuseppe Verdi.
How does the word cultivate relate to opera?
Opera singers much train and cultivate their voices to be successful. They also need to cultivate audiences.
How does the word convincingly relate to opera?
Opera singers not only have to sing well, but they also must be able to act with conviction.
How does the word grandeur relate to opera?
Operas must show musical and visual grandeur to hold an audience’s attention.
How does the word accessible relate to opera?
Operas have become more accessible to the everyday people because opera houses now project the English translation above the stage. Also, operas must be accessible to many different people of varying ages.
Overture
Musical introduction
Played by orchestra
Excerpts from the opera
Recitative
Speech like singing
Where the action takes place
Passive orchestra
Chorus
Song sung by chorus
Several people singing
On or off stage
Aria
Song sung by one person
Time to show off
Where the emotion is
Active orchestra
Libretto
Text or script of the opera
No music
Melodrama
Dramatic presentation
Exaggerated emotion and action
Opera buffa
Comic opera
Portrayed by working class
Gioachino Rossini’s Barber of Seville is in this style
