0
Opera
‘Opera’ is the Italian word for ‘work’ and an abbreviation of ‘Opera in musica’. An opera is a drama to be sung with instrumental accompaniment by one or more singers usually in costume and with scenery. As well as singing, this may include recitative or spoken dialogue. Questions should relate directly to the subject of opera.
1,955 Questions
Who are the main characters in the Marriage of Figaro?
Figaro, Susanna, the Duke, the Duchess, and Cherubino.
Who were the most famous opera composers?
Obviously this will be a matter of opinion, but here goes:
Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643) wrote about 18 operas, but only three complete works survive. Many people recognize L'Orfeo(1607) as the first major opera to bring together recitative, aria, choral and instrumental numbers in a dramatically effective work. The beautiful aria "Lasciatemi morire" that survives from his L'Arianna (1608) suggests that this opera was also a masterpiece.
Monteverdi's other two surviving operas, Il Ritorno d'Ulisse (Return of Ulysses) and L'Incoronazione di Poppea (Coronation of Poppea) were written in 1640 and 1642 respectively, toward the end of his life. By this time the Baroque style was more firmly established and opera was well on its way toward being the institution we know today, but Monteverdi was still on top of his game. These are really powerful works.
Another point of view might suggest Mozart, however, since his works are the earliest that have remained a part of the repertoire since their premieres. The change from Baroque to Classical opera styles was huge, both in the waning use of the male soprano voice and in the move away from stylized dramatic conventions. He could be called the first great modern opera composer.
A third answer might be Christoph Willibald Von Gluck, whose Orfeo ed Euridice is the earliest opera to hold a place in the standard international repertoire. It premiered in Vienna in 1762.
Did Wagner write the libretto for all his operas?
Presumably you mean Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. His operas are - Apollo et Hyacinthus Ascanio in Alba Bastien und Bastienne La clemenza di Tito Così fan tutte Don Giovanni Die Entführung aus dem Serail La finta giardiniera La finta semplice Idomeneo Lucio Silla The Magic Flute The Marriage of Figaro Mitridate, re di Ponto L'oca del Cairo Il re pastore Der Schauspieldirektor Die Schuldigkeit des ersten Gebotes Il sogno di Scipione Lo sposo deluso Thamos, King of Egypt Zaide
How is an oratorio different from an opera?
The closer comparison to make is between oratorio and opera. Oratorios were originally created to be the church's response to opera which the 17th century church considered somewhat sinful. Therefore, oratorios are really unstaged operas. As a matter of fact, they can be quite similar musically and there have been a few oratorios that have been staged from time to time. Loosely speaking, a cantata is a short oratorio.
What are five major opera styles?
If you mean theater as in the building - they are proscenium, thrust, theater in the round, and created theaters. If you mean styles of performance the most common answer is that there are two - comedy and tragedy.
La Boheme is an opera by Giacomo Puccini, recounting a very sad story about poor "Bohemians" living in Paris.
Haydn's operas that survive are very, very rarely performed and then usually as curiosities. The link below gives a listing of his operas.
Who is the worst opera singer?
I suggest Florence Foster Jenkins (1868-1944), an American soprano who became famous for her complete lack of rhythm, pitch, tone, and overall singing ability.
Jailhouse Rock (Elvis Presley), Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel), Joanna (Kool and the Gang), Jenny From the Block (Jennifer Lopez), Just Dance (Lady Gaga), Jane Dow (Alicia Keys), Joy to the World (Christmas Carol), James Dean (Eagles), Jambalaya (Carpenters), Jane (Jefferson Starship), Johnny B. Good (Chuck Berry), Just Can't Get Enough (Despeche Mode), Just To See You Smile (Tim McGraw), Jingle Bells (Christmas Carol), Jack of All Trades (Bruce Springsteen), Jeanette (The English Beat), Jailbreak (AC/DC), Just A Dream (Carrie Underwood), Jolene (Bob Dylan), Jump (Van Halen), Jessica (The Allman Brothers Band), Joshua (Dolly Parton), Joyful, Joyful We Adore You (Christmas Carol), Just In Time (Tony Bennett), Jenny (The Click Five), Jean (Oliver) and John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt (Traditional children's song) are song titles that begin with the letter J.
What is the opera Berceuse by Benjamin Godard about?
The title means (Rocking Horse) or (hobby Horse) in French. It may well have some connection with juvenile furniture- Ride "em Cowboy! answer 2 "Berceuse" is the tenor solo from the opera 'Jocelyn' by Benjamin Godard. 'Berceuse' literally means 'cradle song' as is a lullaby.
What 1878 operetta was written by Gilbert and Sullivan?
The last opera to be written together by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sulllivan was "The Grand Duke, or The Statutory Duel." The complex plot about a troupe of players deposing the stingy Grand Duke of Pfennig-Halbpfennig (a fictional central European country) was written in 1896. It's plot is repetitive, with two songs provided to explain each of several plot developments. Sullivan's music is slightly reminescent of the style later associated with Viennese light opera, as his work was changing to reflect changing times and tastes.
What tenor received a record 165 curtain calls at a Berlin opera house in 1988?
Luciano Pavarotti
2nd answer
Placido Domingo holds the record for the longest ovation in history; it lasted 80 minutes and he took 101 curtain-calls. This was in Vienna on 30 June, 1991 for the lead in Verdi's Otello.
Who wrote the opera La Boheme?
The opera La Boheme was written by Giacomo Puccini using an Italian libretto by Luigi Illica and Giuseppe Giacosa. answer 2 Leoncavello also wrote an opera of the same name on the same story.
Who are well known Black female opera singers?
Well, Leontyne Price and Kathleen Battle are a couple of great ones for starters. Plus Jessye Norman. The above list is just a start. Mattiwilda Dobbs was the first African-American to sing in La Scala, first coloratura at The Met....that counts for something! Marian Anderson unfortunately did not have the chance to do much opera on stage but she had one of the greatest voices of the 20th century. Following in their footsteps were Betty Allen, Reri Grist, Barbara Hendricks, Grace Bumbry, Shirley Verrett, Carmen Balthrop, Florence Quivar, Leona Mitchell, and now Denyce Graves, Anita Johnson, Harolyn Blackwell...the world is blessed by their artistry and grace. For black female singers of the 19th century (yes!) get Rosalyn Story's book And, So I Sing.
What were the names of three characters in the Mozart opera the Magic Flute?
Any three...? Tamino, Papageno, and Pamina.
What are all the singing ranges in order?
Five of six would be Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Barritone and Bass, Soprano being the highest female voice, and alto lower. Tenor is the higher male voice, with barritone and bass being sequentially lower. These ranges actually overlap, as I as a tenor can hit many notes in the alto and soprano range, even though I am male. I can also dive into the barritone and even a little of the bass. In barbershop chorus, there are four vocal ranges. Tenor (the highest, usually sung by a young boy) Lead (the melody) Barritone (counter melody, lower) and Bass (bass)
What are the similar things about and operetta and an oratorio?
An oratorio is just sung using solo voice or choral pieces. The opera uses solos and choral voices too, but involves stage acting as well. For example, Handel's Messiah is an Oratorio ... La Boheme is an Opera.
Who composed th music and wrote words to 'Cosi Fan Tutti'?
Mozart wrote the music and the libretto (words) was written by Lorenzo Da Ponte.
What negative influences are there in soap operas?
On soap operas, people are always making out or having sex & showing them half naked. when i was younger the most they showed was a peck of kiss. T.V. has changed a lot lately & not for the better. if my kids were still living with me i would not let them watch those shows.
What major difference between aria and recitative?
Arias are melodic, while recitative is closer to speech.
