1. OPERA

2. What is opera? Theatrical performance
The entire story is told through singing!

3. Play vs. Musical A play is a theatrical performance
The story is told by acting and speaking the script
May have some music but is not the most important part
A Musical is a theatrical performance
The story is told by speaking, singing, and dancing
Singing and Speaking parts are used equally throughout the show

4. OVERTURE FIRST Song of the opera FEATURES the ORCHESTRA
SETS the MOOD of the Opera
OFTEN starts FORTE and then later is piano

5. Italian word for “little book”. TEXT of an Opera or Musical
Libretto
Italian word for “little book”.
TEXT of an Opera or Musical

6. ARIA A Poetic Vocal SOLO
FEATURES the LEAD ACTOR or ACTRESS of the SHOW
GIVES the lead singer a chance to show off their skills

7. RECITATIVE
The sung Dialogue
Introduces the song

8. Impresario
A Person who ORGANIZES the OPERA, PLAY or CONCERT.
MANAGES and OR FUNDS $$$$$ the show production

9. OPERA VOICES
SOPRANO
MEZZO-SOPRANO
ALTO
TENOR
BARITONE
BASS

10. 1500’s Italy
Drama’s had become a standard part of Italian entertainment

11. Historically all DRAMA stems back to ancient GREECE!

12. Great-Granddaddy of OPERA
CLAUDIO MONTEVERDI
( )
Created elaborate opera’s
Most remembered for Orfeo
Opera’s spread throughout Italy and Europe

13. COMPOSERS to know in OPERA
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ( )
Richard Wagner ( )
Georges Bizet ( )
Giuseppe Verdi ( )
Giachino Rossini ( )
Giacomo Puccini ( )

14. Ancient
Greek Amphitheater