Opera Flashcards
Majestic
Story told in Opera can be majestic because of the singers, cast, costumes.
Intimidating
The high drama, foreign lyrics, louder voice, and fancy costumes can make Opera seem intimidating.
Sustain
Stronger plots and continuous music sustain the action, mood, and suspense of the story. Opera singer must be able to hold long notes.
Evolution
The evolution of Opera has been influential by composers, such as Richard Wagner, and Giuseppe Verdi.
Cultivate
To cultivate a professional singing voice for Opera, you will need many years of training.
Grandeur
Opera posses a visible grandeur.
Opera houses are fancy and the event is big. The production or presentation of the Opera is big and fancy.
Accessible
Opera has become more accessible over the years due to English translations.
English translations on screen helps to make Opera more enjoyable and accessible experience.
Aria
A song sung by one person (not many people). Arias allow singers to “show off” while reflecting on their emotions. It doesn’t have lots of the words in huge song.
Recitative
Speech-like singing that advances the plot. It has lots of the words in the song. These songs are where the action takes place. It sung by one person (not many people).
Overture
Musical introduction played by the orchestra that often consists of excepts from the Opera. No singing.
Chorus
A musical piece sung by group of people (chorus). The chorus may be sung on stage or off stage.
Libretto
The text or script of an Opera.
Opera buffa
Comic Opera, always sung in Italian. The jokes in these Operas are always the working class, such as maids, peasants, or servants, who keep busy getting the best of their employers. Gioachino Rossini composed in this style.
Opera seria
Serious Opera. These stories are often tragic, and typically involve heroes and kings or ancient myths and gods. Some of Handel’s Operas are in this style.
Grand Opera
Spectacular opera. It is performed with elaborates sets and consumes. Many people are needed to make it happen. Grand Opera involves royalty, heroism, an elaborates ballet scene, and is often long. Composer Jules Massenet wrote Opera in this style. A lots of everything. Opera which we imagine.
