Opera 101
This is a type of dramatic work that is entirely sung
What is Opera?
This German word means "leading motive" and is a musical theme that represents a particular character in the opera
This is the highest vocal range
What is Soprano?
This form of narrative helps to move the story along
What is recitative?
This type of opera is usually about serious subjects such as Greek and Roman gods and war heroes
What is Opera Seria?
This german word refers to an opera style that combines traditional opera styles, folk singing, and spoken dialogue
What is singspiel?
Who is the basso buffo?
This fancy word is the story of the opera
What is the libretto?
This style of opera usually depicts themes of everyday life and is generally comical in nature
What is Opera Buffa?
What is gesamtkenstwerk?
This hero of the opera has a very high voice for a male
Who is the castrati?
This lyrical song reflects a charater's thoughts or feelings about something that he or she is experiencing in the story
What is an aria?
This orchestral section occurs at the beginning of an opera and introduces musical themes that will be heard throughout the opera
What is an Overture?
This German-born composer wrote the opera "Julius Ceasar" based on the legendary Roman general of the same name
Who was George Frederic Handel?
She is the leading lady of an opera
Who is the prima donna?
What is leitmotif
This German composer perfected the art of gesamtkenstwerk - an opera style that combines all art forms
Who is Richard Wagner?