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
