60 likes | 252 Views
Chapter 23: Romantic Opera: Italy. Italy. The golden age of opera with composers such as Rossini, Bellini, Verdi, Wagner, Bizet, and Puccini Bel canto : “ Beautiful singing ” Term coined by Rossini Early creators of bel canto include Donizetti and Bellini
E N D
Italy • The golden age of opera with composers such as Rossini, Bellini, Verdi, Wagner, Bizet, and Puccini • Bel canto:“Beautiful singing” • Term coined by Rossini • Early creators of bel canto include Donizetti and Bellini • Emphasis on beautiful vocal melodies • Orchestra provides simple harmonic support • Exalted the leading opera singers • Prima donna or diva: Lead soprano, usually the heroine
Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) • Most popular opera composer throughout Europe • His operas are performed more than any others • Early operas supported Italian nationalism • Promoted a united Italy • Viva VERDI (Vittorio Emanuele Re d’Italia) • Dramas turned to domestic themes and personal conflict • Opera standards include: Rigoletto (1851), La traviata (1853), Il trovatore (1853), Aida (1871)
Verdi’s Dramaturgy and Musical Style • Conflict – personal or national – the root of every emotion • Clear expression of emotion • Emotional states almost melodramatic • Intense passion and nonstop action • Recitativo accompagnato: Orchestra accompanies the recitative; Smooth transitions between recitative and aria • Arias push singers to the utmost of their range • Bel canto style
La traviata (1853) • “The Woman Gone Astray” • Based on a story (Camille) by Alexandre Dumas the younger • Pits passionate love against middle-class morality • “Un di felice” • Gala party at the end of the first act • Alfredo and Violetta sing to each other
La traviata, Act I, Scene 6 • A Scena • Slow aria (“Ah fors´è lui”) • Recitative accompagnata (“Follie!”) • Cabaletta (“Sempre libera”) • A fast-paced concluding aria • Virtuosity serves a dramatic purpose • Allows character to rush off stage