1. UNIT 3: BAROQUE 1600-1750

2. OPERA “Opera” literally means “work”; originally “opera drammatica in musica” = a dramatic work set to music Meant to convey heightened emotions by using music. As a combination of music, poetry, drama, scenic design, and dance, some have called it the “supreme expression of the human spirit.”

3. PEOPLE AND WORKS TO KNOW George Frideric Handel (1685-1759) Giulio Cesare (1724): Story of Julius Caesar and Cleopatra "V'adoro, pupille" – aria of Cleopatra confessing her love Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) L’Orfeo (1607): Story or Orpheus and Euridice 41 instruments, distinct groups of instruments used to depict particular scenes and characters. harpsichords and recorders =nymphs and shepherds; heavy brass illustrates =underworld

4. CHARACTERISTICS  Vocal virtuosity  Ornamentations (and/or embellishment)  Basso Continuo used as harmonic accompaniment  Use of many instruments Many of the same instrument playing one part Symbolic use of instruments (represent characters, etc)  Started for only the rich, spread to general public (From Mantua to Venice; from 200 aristocrats to 1,500 citizens; all during Monteverdi’s life!)

5. MATCHING TERMS ORIGINAL OPERA ---MODERN Toccata Libretto Recitative Arioso Aria Featured Solo Monologue Script Opening/Theme Song A Mixture; “montage”