begins on page 106 chapter 12 opera in the baroque

Begins on page 106

Chapter 12

Opera in the Baroque

Beginning of opera

desire for expressive vocal music

wanted to return to ancient Greek dramas

first opera houses founded in Venice, Italy

over the years, goal of expressive music was replaced by virtuoso singing

Elements of Opera

Voices and roles

Ensembles

Orchestra

Libretto

Staging

Operatic Conventions

Everything is sung

“Bigger than life” qualities

Often in foreign language

Compressed time frame

Enjoying opera

Much beautiful music

Expressiveness of music and words combined

Appeals to both eyes and ears

Has a “bigger than life” quality

Monteverdi’s The Coronation of Poppea

Monteverdi was the most important composer of the early Baroque

The Coronation of Poppea was his last opera

Contains many characteristics of recitative

Copyright © 2010 by Schirmer Cengage Learning

Purcell’s “Dido’s Lament” from Dido and Aeneas

Recitative and aria

Ostinato bass line repeated 11 times

No virtuoso singing

Copyright © 2010 by Schirmer Cengage Learning

Summary

Elements of opera

Operatic conventions

Monteverdi’s The Coronation of Poppea

Purcell’s “Dido’s Lament” from Dido and Aeneas