Operetta from Contemporary Opera Performances

Operetta is one of the many genres of performance arts that has a very close relationship with opera in terms of both theme and music sequences. Sometimes it is difficult to differentiate between operetta and opera. The term was used for the first time to describe opera stage performances that were shorter and less ambitious efforts during the 17th and 18th centuries.

Operettas have since then maintained a very strong influence in the western culture.

They are very readily available to mass audiences and are extremely enjoyable. This style of music has lately brought about profound influences to Broadway music, which originated in New York. Broadway music has even outstripped operas and operettas in terms of popularity throughout the world.

Operetta

Operetta

In a typical operetta, some of the libretto has to be spoken and not sung. Singers are given an opportunity for dialogue which marks the transitory point between a musical number and the other. During these dialogues, there is no form of accompaniment. Sometimes quiet musical themes may be used to enrich the background. In some operettas, recitative styles are used. These styles flow in a rhythm that appears to be with equal range to Continue reading →

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Exploring Various Opera Singing Voices

Different roles in opera are performed using particular voice types. Each is designed for different types of singers and the differential in vocal range in performance is the secret behind the richness of variety and distinctiveness in every classical opera performance.

Opera voices can therefore be classified into different types that fall into either the masculine or feminine category. Of course there is always some certain degree of succinct overlaps. Baritone is the most common singing voice that is used predominantly by men. It is far lower in term of range than tenor and is often accompanied by a dark hue. Although some Mozart pieces such as Papageno and Count Almaviva are considered predominantly as of the baritone variety, no major distinction is drawn between baritone and bass.

Enrico Caruso.

Enrico Caruso.

Verdi always used his peculiar baritone voice to display various dramatic qualities. Many music commentators today consider “Verdi baritone” as a distinct type of voice. Such a voice must be of highly dynamic quality, the kind of quality that enables one to perform lyrical performances with relative ease.

Bass often comes with several subcategories. This is the Continue reading →

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Comic Opera and Its Main Variants

Comic opera originated from a strand of opera that was characterized by short but highly entertaining scenes which in most cases had funny servants. The comic opera tradition remains to this day. During the 16th century, these comical scenes came in between various acts that constituted serious opera.

Comic opera existed prior to the 17th century. In Italy, it was referred to as Opera Buffa. This Italian version became an outgrowth that of the comic tradition before finally developing into an independent genre. Other various varieties of comic opera apart from this Italian variant are the French Opera Comique, the German Singspiel and the English Ballad Opera.

In its original meaning, comic opera is used to denote a dramatic work of drama that is light or comic in nature, which is often sung and has a very a very happy ending. These forms were introduced into world opera through Italian performances before quickly spreading to other European countries.

German Singspiel.

German Singspiel.

When this opera variant first reached France, it became popularly known as Opera Bouffon. In the century that followed, the art form came to Continue reading →

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The Early Face of Italian Opera

Italian opera combines both the aspects of opera as an art and opera is part of the repository of the Italian language. Opera was in Italy in the late 1500ís and continues to play a dormant role in the cultural fabric of the country. Some of the most influential opera performances in Italy during this time were composed by foreigners.

Some of most famous foreigners who shaped Italian opera include Gluck, Handel, and Mozart. The best Italian opera compositions of all time credited to Italians were composed by famous people like Bellini, Verdi, Puccini and Donizetti. Today, the performances continue to grace opera houses all over the world.

Although Dafne music is no longer in existence, its influence during the 17th century was remarkable. It was performed during Henry IV’s wedding to Marie de Medici in Florence. Some memorable operas that made history as opera continued to grow include Euridice, which recounted vividly the story of Eurydice and Orpheus. The singing style was a form of a heightening natural speech which was accompanied by dramatic recitatives which were offered by strong string music.

Italian Opera

Italian Opera

Soon it became a custom to include instrumental interludes as well as separate songs during the spans of time when the voices became very silent. One common feature of Continue reading →

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