Opera History
Where does opera originate from?
Italy
Name one of the four common voice types.
Soprano, (Contr)alto, Tenor, Bass
What language does the word "leitmotif" originate from?
German
Define opera.
A dramatic production set to music.
What is the best-selling album of ALL TIME?
Michael Jackson's Thriller
When did opera originate (dates AND musical period)?
The Renaissance period, late 1500s-early 1600s.
What is the term for a feminine "medium voice," in between soprano and contralto?
Mezzo-soprano
Who created the first leitmotif?
Richard Wagner
Name the two sub genres of opera and their purposes.
Opera Seria- tragic opera
Opera Buffa- comic opera
Which city is known as the birthplace of jazz?
New Orleans, Louisiana
What is the name of the first well-known and recognized opera?
Orfeo, Montiverdi
A role in an opera where a female singer is portraying a younger boy is called a...?
Breeches Role
What is the name of the opera that had the first/most iconic leitmotif?
The Ride of the Valkyries/Die Walkurie
What is an aria?
A solo song where a character is telling the audience how they feel.
What is the most awarded rap song in Grammys history?
Not Like Us - Kendrick Lamar
Who was the most prolific opera composer of the baroque period?
Handel
Name all six voice types that we learned about in class.
Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Contr(alto), Tenor, Baritone, Bass
What type of leitmotif is "The Imperial March" from Star Wars?
Development
What is a recitative?
A dialogue-style song where characters are talking and moving the plot along. Usually thin texture and light instrumentation.
What is the name of Guns 'n' Roses' guitarist?
Slash (Saul Hudson)
Who was THE opera composer in the Romantic period?
Trick question! There wasn't one. It was more one-hit wonders.
Lohengrin - Wagner
Carmen - Bizet
The Barber of Seville - Rossini
What type of roles are typically reserved for bass singers? (need 2 answers)
1. some kind of wise character, often older
2. Gods or supernatural beings
Name the 4 different types of leitmotifs.
Character, Emotion, Place/Setting, and Development
How are opera singers able to be heard without a microphone?
The way they shape their mouth alters the overtone frequencies to be more attuned to the human ear. The range of their notes and the shape of the opera hall also helps.
Ozzy Osbourne