Opera History
define OPERA.
A dramatic presentation which is set to music. Almost all of it is sung, and the orchestra is an equal partner with the singers.
What is a mid-range female voice type called?
mezzo-soprano
What language does the word LEITMOTIF originate from?
German
Name one of the four late Romantic operas we discussed in class.
Carmen
La Boheme
Madama Butterfly
Treemonisha
Define MUSICAL.
A play or movie in which singing and dancing play an essential part.
Where was opera invented, and in what year/time period?
Italy in the late 1500s/early 1600s, Renaissance period.
What is the word used to describe a soprano that specializes in vocal runs, high notes, and fast passages?
Coloratura
Define LEITMOTIF.
A recurrent theme throughout a musical or literary composition, associated with a particular person, idea, or situation.
Who is the composer of Treemonisha?
Scott Joplin
Name one popular musical.
The Phantom of the Opera
Hamilton
Frozen
The Lion King
and more...
What was the first RECOGNIZABLE opera, and who was the composer?
Orfeo by Monteverdi
Define a BREECHES ROLE.
A role of a young boy in an opera, usually played by a mezzo-soprano.
Which opera had the first leitmotif, and who was the composer?
Die Walkurie, Wagner.
Name one notable character from La Boheme.
Mimi
Rodolfo
Marcello
Musetta
Name one difference between operas and musicals.
Dialogue
Vocal Style
Focus
Orchestra
Name the two sub genres of opera and define their purpose.
Opera Seria - Tragic Opera
Opera Buffa - Comic Opera
What types of roles do BARITONES usually play in operas?
Everything and anything! They aren't limited to specific roles like other voice types.
What type of leitmotif is the theme from the movie Jaws?
Character leitmotif
Give a short summary of the plot of Madama Butterfly.
Pinkerton marries Cio-Cio-San, leaves her for an American woman, Cio-Cio-San passes from grief.
What is the name of the rock musical that is based on La Boheme?
RENT
Name the three types of opera song and define them.
Aria- solo song where a character reveals their thoughts or emotions
Recitative- dialogue or other plot moving song
Overture- instrumental medley at beginning of opera
Name the six classical voice types we discussed in class.
Soprano
Mezzo-soprano
Contralto
Tenor
Baritone
Bass
Name the four main types of leitmotifs.
Character
Emotion
Setting/Place
Character Development
Name one notable song from Carmen.
Habanera
Toreador March
Explain how Hamilton can technically be considered an opera and a musical at the same time.
It is sung through (characteristic of opera), but it is sung in a contemporary style and takes large influence from popular music like hip hop (characteristics of musicals).