Opera and Musical Theatre Chapters 14 & 15

Opera

Intro into Opera Opera: a staged drama that is predominantly sung, most often with orchestral accompaniment. Originated in Italy around 1600 Began simple and then became more complex.

Different Parts of Operas There are different types of singing that are included in most operas Chorus: a song that includes the majority of the cast. Aria: songs for a solo singer and orchestra. Recitative: sung conversation between characters to help advance the story line.

Types of Opera Opera Seria: a serious form of opera with lofty heroic themes from history and mythology. Dominated the opera scene for much of the 18 th century. Opera Buffa: comic opera Brought opera more “down-to-earth” so it could be understood and appreciated by more people.

Two Related Operas La Boheim Music by Giacomo Puccini Libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacoso Libretto: the text of an opera or musical, including dialogue and lyrics. Listen #2 Rent Music and libretto by Jonathan Larson Listen #9 Listen #10

Musical Theatre

Transition from Opera to Musical Theatre Operettas: European stage plays with songs and dance interspersed with spoken dialogue. Went across the Atlantic and evolved into… Vaudeville: An early American stage variety show that included songs, dances, and comedy skits. Evolved from variety show to have full story lines of… Broadway Musical: an American dramatic stage form that combines the arts of acting and singing.

The Classic Broadway Musical The beginning First Broadway musicals came in the start of the 20 th Century Emphasis on music In 1920’s it evolved to have more characteristics of actual drama Thicker plot lines Dialogue: the spoken lines of a play or musical show. Composers of the era: George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, and Cole Porter “Old Man River” by Jerome Kern

After World War II Post World War II composers further developed the Broadway musical. Many of our most beloved musicals were written in this time. Songs from musicals became repertoire for pop singers. Repertoire: an inventory of compositions mastered and performed by musicians West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein Hello Dolly by Jerry Hermann The Sound of Music by Rogers and Hammerstein Fiddle on the Roof by Joseph Stein

Musical Theatre Today Many popular musicals are being revived today, and many have been made into very successful Hollywood movies, including: West Side Story (1961): 10 Oscars My Fair Lady (1964): 8 Oscars The Sound of Music (1965) 5 Oscars Cabaret (1972): 8 Oscars Chicago (2002) 6 Oscars

Other famous musicals musicals-ever/constance-bennet musicals-ever/constance-bennet