Opera Flashcards
Overture
Musical introduction played by the orchestra that includes excerpts from the opera
Libretto
The script/text of the opera
Recitative
Speech like singing that advance the plot, where the action takes place
Chorus
A musical piece sung by a group of people on or off stage
Aria
A piece sung by one person, allow people to “show off” where the emotion takes place
Intimidating
Frightening or scary
It is loud, they scream at you
Majestic
Impressive dignity, over the top
Voices are beautiful, the set and costumes are over the top
Sustain
To support or hold
Hold very long notes, performances must hold the attention of the audience
Evolution
Change in characteristics, growth over time
Opera has evolved into modern day opera
Cultivate
To acquire or develop
Work to develop a nice voice
Convincingly
Believable or persuasive
Must convince crowd that you have a nice voice and that you are that character
Grandeur
Splendor or impressive
Many operas, the opera house and the production are impressive
Accessible
To be easily reached or approached
Easy to follow, subtitles, cheaper
Opera Buffa
Comic opera, Italian, jokesters are working class (maids, servants)
Opera Seria
Serious opera, tragic, involve heroes, kings, or ancient myths and gods
