Opera

Macbeth applause at Savonlinna Opera festival in 2007 - panoramio

Teatro alla Scala interior Milan

Paris Opera full frontal architecture, May 2009

Berlin - Staatsoper Unter den Linden

Bouffes parisiens (cropped)

Claudio Monteverdi

Opera is a form of theatre in which music has a leading role and the parts are taken by singers. Such a "work" (the literal translation of the Italian word "opera") is typically a collaboration between a composer and a librettist and incorporates a number of the performing arts, such as acting, scenery, costumes, and sometimes dance or ballet. The performance is typically given in an opera house, accompanied by an orchestra or a smaller musical ensemble.

History

Opera's origins are traced back to the late 16th century in Italy, particularly in Florence. It emerged as part of the Renaissance's humanist movement, aiming to revive the classical Greek drama traditions. The earliest known work is Dafne by Jacopo Peri, written in 1598. However, Claudio Monteverdi's L'Orfeo (1607) is often considered the first great opera. Opera spread across Europe, with each country developing its own forms. For instance, France developed the tragédie en musique, later known as tragédie lyrique, epitomized by the works of Jean-Baptiste Lully and Jean-Philippe Rameau. In Germany, the Singspiel, a form of opera with spoken dialogue, became popular, exemplified by Mozart's The Magic Flute.

Types of Opera

Opera is divided into several genres:

• Opera seria - A serious form of opera with lofty, often classical themes.
• Opera buffa - Comic opera, which emerged in the 18th century.
• Grand opera - A style noted for its grandeur and spectacle, often including ballet.
• Opera comique - Originally, French operas with spoken dialogue, not necessarily comic.
• Singspiel - German opera with spoken dialogue.
• Bel canto - A style of singing that emphasizes beautiful, flowing melodies.
• Verismo - A style of opera that focuses on everyday life and the lives of ordinary people.

Components

An opera performance integrates many elements:

• Libretto - The text or script of the opera, written by the librettist.
• Music - Composed to advance the story, express emotion, and add drama.
• Voice types - Including soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, baritone, and bass.
• Orchestra - Provides the musical accompaniment to the singers.
• Conductor - Leads the orchestra and singers.
• Stage director - Oversees the dramatic aspects, including acting and staging.
• Scenery and costumes - Enhance the visual aspect and help tell the story.

Notable Composers and Operas

• Claudio Monteverdi - L'Orfeo
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - The Magic Flute, Don Giovanni
• Giuseppe Verdi - La Traviata, Rigoletto, Aida
• Richard Wagner - The Ring of the Nibelung, Tristan und Isolde
• Giacomo Puccini - La Bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly

Modern Opera

In the 20th and 21st centuries, opera has continued to evolve, with composers like Benjamin Britten, Philip Glass, and John Adams contributing significant works. Modern opera often incorporates innovative staging, multimedia elements, and contemporary themes.

See Also

• Musical theatre
• Symphony
• Concerto