BAROQUE AND CLASSICAL OPERAS in 70's (1).pptx

BAROQUE AND CLASSICAL OPERAS in 70's

1. BAROQUE AND CLASSICAL OPERAS (1600-1750 AND 1750-1820)

2. . INTRODUCTION The Baroque is a highly ornate and elaborate style of architecture, art and design that flourished in Europe in the 17th and first half of the 18th century. Originating in Italy, its influence quickly spread across Europe and it became the first visual style to have a significant worldwide impact. Meanwhile, the Classical period was known as the Age of Enlightenment, or the Age of Reason. The era spanned about seventy years (1750-1820), but in its short duration, musical practices began that have influenced music ever since. Classical period music is by far the most common Western music known today.

3. . OPERA An opera, like a play, is a dramatic form of theatre that includes scenery, props and costumes. In opera, however, the actors are trained singers who sing their lines instead of speaking them. An orchestra accompanies the singers. A conductor coordinates the singers on stage and the musicians in the orchestra pit. It was made known in the Baroque period in the 16 th century. Recorded in history as Baroque eras great contributions. Born in Italy more than 400 years ago during the Renaissance, opera—a combination of vocal and orchestral music, drama, visual arts and dance—has been inspiring people for ages.

4. . BAROQUE OPERA (1600-1750) Baroque opera was characterized by its use of recitative, a style of singing that imitates speech and is used to advance the plot. The arias, on the other hand, were more melodious and expressive, and allowed for the singers to display their vocal virtuosity. The orchestra played an important role in Baroque opera, providing accompaniment for the singers and adding to the dramatic effect.

5. . CLASSICAL OPERA (1750-1820) Classical opera as a term can refer to operas that were composed during the Classical Era (1750-1820), or can more broadly encompass operas composed in a classical style. Opera is a popular style in classical music, and reference to the term opera usually indicates classical music. Operas composed during the classical era include "Don Giovanni" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

6. . 2 MAIN TYPES OF OPERA BUFFA A comic opera, evolved from comedic interludes between serious opera acts and became a dominant operatic style in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Unlike opera seria , it focused on common people and domestic life, often featuring comedic plots where servants outwit aristocrats, frequently challenging social structures. Like opera seria , it was fully sung with recitative and arias, but it allowed for more musical innovation. Opera buffa made greater use of lower voice types, such as basses and baritones, and emphasized ensemble singing, introducing the ensemble finale, which became a staple of later opera styles. SERIA A serious opera style, emerged in Naples in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Italian librettist Pietro Metastasio helped define the genre, structuring librettos into three-act narratives with moral lessons aligned with Enlightenment ideals. Common themes included noble rulers, heroic acts, and duty. Musically, opera seria focused on solo performances rather than ensembles or choruses. It emphasized bel canto singing, showcasing vocal skill through da capo arias, which followed an ABA structure with elaborate embellishments in the repeated section.

7. . CHARACTERISTICS

8. . CHARACTERISTICS OF BAROQUE Recitative and aria structure Recitative serves as a narrative tool, advancing the plot through speech-like singing. Arias are more lyrical and expressive, allowing characters to convey emotions and reflect on their experiences. The interplay between recitative and aria creates a dynamic flow, balancing dialogue and emotional expression. 2. Use of basso continuo Basso continuo provides a harmonic foundation, typically played by keyboard instruments and a bass instrument. It allows for improvisation, giving performers the freedom to embellish and interpret the music. This practice emphasizes the importance of the bass line in establishing the harmonic structure of the piece.

9. . 3. Emphasis on vocal virtuosity and ornamentation Singers showcase their technical skills through elaborate vocal runs and embellishments. Ornamentation adds expressiveness and personal interpretation to the music, enhancing emotional impact. The focus on virtuosity reflects the Baroque era's admiration for individual talent and artistry. 4. Mythological or historical themes Operas often draw from classical mythology or historical events, providing rich narratives for exploration. These themes allow for dramatic storytelling, engaging audiences with familiar tales of gods, heroes, and legendary figures. The use of such themes reflects the Baroque interest in grandeur and the human experience.

10. . 5. Elaborate stage machinery and set designs Theatrical productions feature intricate sets and machinery to create stunning visual effects. Innovations in stagecraft enhance the storytelling, immersing audiences in the operatic experience. The visual spectacle complements the music, reinforcing the emotional and dramatic elements of the opera. 6. Castrati singers in leading roles Castrati, male singers who underwent castration before puberty, possessed unique vocal qualities and ranges. Their roles often included heroic or romantic characters, showcasing their exceptional vocal abilities. The use of castrati reflects societal norms and the value placed on extraordinary vocal talent during the Baroque period .

11. . 7. Da capo aria form The da capo aria follows an ABA structure, with the first section repeated after a contrasting middle section. This form allows for emotional development and showcases the singer's virtuosity in the repeated section. The return to the initial theme reinforces the emotional core of the aria, creating a satisfying musical experience. 8. Incorporation of dance elements Dance forms, such as the allemande and courante, are integrated into operas, enhancing the overall aesthetic. These elements contribute to the rhythm and movement of the performance, engaging the audience visually and aurally. The inclusion of dance reflects the Baroque era's celebration of art as a multifaceted experience.

12. . 9. Use of orchestral ritornello The ritornello serves as a recurring instrumental theme, framing the vocal sections of the opera. It provides cohesion and structure, linking different parts of the music together. The orchestral ritornello enhances the dramatic effect, creating anticipation and resolution throughout the performance. 10. Dramatic contrast and affective expression Baroque opera emphasizes contrasts in dynamics, tempo, and mood to heighten emotional impact. Affective expression is central to the music, with composers using techniques to evoke specific feelings in the audience. This focus on drama and emotion reflects the Baroque belief in the power of music to convey the complexities of human experience .

13. . Structural and Stylistic Elements Overture foreshadowed musical themes or dramatic elements -Served as cohesive introduction to the work Arias typically followed da capo (ABA) form -Less elaborate ornamentation in repeated A section compared to Baroque operas Accompanied recitative (recitativo accompagnato ) allowed more dramatic expression in dialogue scenes -Blurred line between recitative and aria Ensemble pieces integrated into dramatic action -Duets, trios, and larger groups no longer mere interludes Dramatic structure followed clear arc -Conflicts introduced in Act I -Developed in Act II -Resolved in Act III CHARACTERISTICS OF CLASSICAL

14. . Emphasis on Clarity and Balance Moved away from ornate Baroque style toward simplicity in music and drama Reforms by composers like Christoph Willibald Gluck created more natural and dramatically coherent operatic form Recitative became more fluid and expressive - Often accompanied by orchestra (recitativo accompagnato ) rather than just continuo Arias transformed to express character emotions - Became shorter and less ornate - Focused less on showcasing vocal virtuosity Ensembles and choruses gained importance in dramatic progression Orchestra's role expanded - More varied instrumentation - Greater emphasis on dramatic underscoring Librettos focused on realistic plots and characters - Shifted from mythological subjects to relatable human dramas

15. . Themes and Genres Explored Enlightenment ideals mirroring intellectual climate Reason Individualism Social reform Distinct genres emerged catering to different social classes Opera seria (serious opera) Opera buffa (comic opera) Composers incorporated more realistic characters and situations Moved away from mythological and historical subjects of Baroque era Increased relatability for audiences Use of vernacular languages increased, particularly in comic operas Enhanced appeal and relevance to local audiences Facilitated broader understanding and appreciation Patronage and Opera Production

16. . Classical Era's Impact on Opera Character and Narrative Development Shift towards naturalistic and psychologically complex characters Moved away from stylized Baroque representations Enhanced audience connection and emotional impact Opera reforms initiated by composers like Gluck Emphasized dramatic coherence Simplified musical structures to enhance storytelling Development of ensemble pieces and finales in opera buffa Influenced overall structure of operas Led to more integrated and dramatically cohesive works Musical and Structural Innovations Recitative use became more fluid and expressive Blurred distinction between recitative and aria in some works Enhanced dramatic flow and character development National styles emerged more distinctly Italian opera (bel canto style) French opera (grand opéra ) German opera (emerging national identity) Orchestra's role expanded significantly Became integral to dramatic expression Moved beyond mere accompaniment to active storytelling Mozart's operas set new standards Collaborations with librettist Da Ponte (The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni) Achieved seamless integration of music and drama Influenced future generations of composers (Beethoven, Weber)

17. . COMPOSERS

18. . BAROQUE

19. . Early Baroque (1600–1650): The Birth of Opera Composer Title/Nickname Contribution to Opera Notable Operas Claudio Monteverdi "The Father of Opera" Established opera as a dramatic art form. L'Orfeo , L’incoronazione di Poppea Francesco Cavalli "The Successor to Monteverdi" Made opera accessible to the public. Giasone , La Calisto Jean-Baptiste Lully "The Architect of French Opera" Developed tragédie lyrique , incorporating ballet. Atys , Armide

20. . Composer Title/Nickname Contribution to Opera Notable Operas Antonio Vivaldi "The Red Priest" Composed operas with vibrant orchestration and virtuosity. Orlando Furioso , La Griselda Georg Philipp Telemann "Germany’s Most Prolific Composer" Expanded comic opera . Pimpinone , Der geduldige Sokrates Jean-Philippe Rameau "The Revolutionary Theorist" Revolutionized harmony in French opera. Hippolyte et Aricie , Les Indes galantes George Frideric Handel "The Master of Opera Seria " Created enduring works with dramatic depth. Giulio Cesare , Rinaldo , Alcina Late Baroque (1700–1750): The Golden Age of Opera

21. . Mid-Baroque (1650–1700): The Rise of Opera Seria Composer Title/Nickname Contribution to Opera Notable Operas Henry Purcell "The Orpheus of England" Integrated diverse musical styles into English opera. Dido and Aeneas Alessandro Scarlatti "The Founder of Neapolitan Opera" Refined opera seria and introduced da capo arias. Griselda, Il Mitridate Eupatore

22. . CLASSICAL

23. . Composer Lifespan Nationality Notable Operas Life & Contributions Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 1756–1791 Austrian The Marriage of Figaro (1786), Don Giovanni (1787), Così fan tutte (1790), The Magic Flute (1791), Idomeneo (1781), La clemenza di Tito (1791) A musical prodigy, Mozart revolutionized opera by combining expressive melodies, deep character development, and dramatic storytelling. His operas blended comic and serious elements, innovating the opera buffa and opera seria styles. Christoph Willibald Gluck 1714–1787 German Orfeo ed Euridice (1762), Alceste (1767), Iphigénie en Tauride (1779) A reformer of opera, Gluck aimed to make opera more natural and emotionally direct. He rejected excessive vocal embellishment in favor of clear storytelling and dramatic integrity. His Orfeo ed Euridice was a landmark in opera reform.

24. . Composer Lifespan Nationality Notable Operas Life & Contributions Antonio Salieri 1750–1825 Italian Tarare (1787), Axur , re d’ Ormus (1788), Les Danaïdes (1784) A highly successful composer in his time, Salieri composed operas in both Italian and French styles. Though often linked with Mozart due to fictionalized rivalries, he was an influential teacher (Beethoven and Schubert were among his students). Giovanni Paisiello 1740–1816 Italian Il barbiere di Siviglia (1782), Nina, o sia La pazza per amore (1789) A master of opera buffa (comic opera), Paisiello was admired for his light, charming melodies and dramatic clarity. His Il barbiere di Siviglia influenced Rossini’s later opera of the same name Domenico Cimarosa 1749–1801 Italian Il matrimonio segreto (1792), L’italiana in Londra (1778) One of the last great composers of opera buffa, Cimarosa’s works are filled with humor, fast-paced dialogue, and lively music. Il matrimonio segreto remains one of the most famous operas of the Classical period.

25. . Impact on Modern OPERA

26. . Baroque and Classical opera shaped modern opera by establishing key musical structures, expressive vocal techniques, and dramatic storytelling. Baroque opera introduced the aria-recitative form and virtuosic singing, while Classical opera refined character development and emotional realism. The evolution of orchestration and staging from these periods influenced modern productions, including contemporary opera and musical theater. Their legacy lives on in today’s operatic styles, film scores, and theatrical performances.

27. . THE END

28. . SOURCES https://serenademagazine.com/the-evolution-of-opera-from-baroque-to-modern-times/ https://library.fiveable.me/opera/unit-5/role-opera-classical-period/study-guide/WDpMrOvnFjhfdyDH https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/opera/understanding-opera/operas-baroque-era/ https://human.libretexts.org/Courses/Prince_George's_Community_College/Music_Appreciation%3A_A_Topical_Approach_to_Music_Genre_and_Style/12%3A_Music_and_Staged_Drama-_Opera/12.02%3A_Opera_in_the_Baroque_Period https://study.com/academy/lesson/baroque-opera-composers-monteverdi-lully.html https://www.earlymusicworld.com/brief-introduction-to-baroqe-opera