The Beginnings of Opera Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are Madrigal Comedies?
A cycle of madrigals connected by a dramatic theme
Madrigal Comedies blend music and drama, showcasing the evolution of musical storytelling.
Who created the first operas?
The Florentine Camerata
The Florentine Camerata was a group of musicians and intellectuals in Florence who aimed to revive ancient Greek drama.
What is Orfeo?
First commercially and critically successful opera, by Monteverdi
Orfeo’s success marked a significant milestone in the history of opera.
What was notable about the ensemble size in Orfeo?
Pushed the limits of ensemble sizes of the time (40 players)
This expansion of ensemble size contributed to the richness of the opera’s sound.
What impact did Orfeo’s success have on opera in Italy?
Made opera popular across Italy
Orfeo’s influence helped establish opera as a dominant form of entertainment in Italian culture.
How was opera viewed in Spain?
Opera was uncommon; some dramatists incorporated operatic music but often excluded it during critical moments
This selective use of music reflects cultural attitudes towards opera in Spanish theater.
What was the dominant form of French musical theater in the 17th century?
Ballet de cour
Ballet de cour combined dance and music, serving as a precursor to later operatic forms.
What is Comedie-Ballet?
A mixture of spoken drama and dance
This genre highlights the integration of various artistic forms in French theater.
What characterizes the Opera Seria?
Tragic content and of serious nature
Opera Seria was the most important type of opera during its period, influencing many other genres.
What is a Da Capo Aria?
Arias that return to an A section after a B section
This structure allows for embellishment and variation, enhancing the musical experience.
What is Recitativo Accompagnato?
Accompanied recitative, reserved for moments of high emotion/drama
This technique emphasizes the emotional weight of the narrative.
Who were Castro Singers?
Men castrated to preserve their soprano range
Castro singers were highly prized for their unique vocal abilities in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Who supported the arts and allowed the Florentine Camerata to operate?
Giovanni De Bardi
His patronage was crucial for the development of early opera.
What did Jacopo Peri contribute to early opera?
Wrote the first opera Dafne and the opera Eurydice
Peri’s works are foundational in the history of opera.
Who helped Peri create Eurydice?
Emilio Cavalieri
Cavalieri’s collaboration was significant in the early operatic landscape.
What genre did Jean-Baptist Lully establish in France?
Sung drama
Lully’s influence shaped the trajectory of French opera.
What is the significance of Henry Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas?
First Opera in English
This work marked a pivotal moment for opera in the English-speaking world.
What type of operas did John Gay write?
Politically charged kind of opera to popular tunes of the day
Gay’s works reflect social and political themes relevant to his time.
Who was considered a master of Opera Seria?
Alessandro Scarlatti
Scarlatti’s compositions had a lasting impact on the genre.
What did George Frederic Handel contribute to opera?
Brought opera to England
Handel’s work significantly influenced the development of English opera.
