Opera: The Basics (Paperback, 3rd Edition)

Opera: The Basics offers an excellent introduction to four centuries of opera. Its easy to follow sections explore topics including:

the origins of opera

basic terminology

the history of major opera genres including: serious opera, comic opera, semi-serious opera and vernacular opera.

With key notes, discography and videography, this is the ideal book for students and interested listeners who want to learn more about this important musical genre.

Table of Contents

IntroductionPart I Terms and Topics 1. Origins of OperaThe ultimate Baroque expression Baroque CharacteristicsThe Florentine Camerata: Opera's First TheoristsFrom Polyphony to Monody: Solo SongMonody as Recitative Opera's forerunnersThe IntermedioLearned Comedy (Commedia erudite) Italian Folk Comedy (Commedia dell'arte)Pastoral DramaChurch pageants (Sacre Rappresentazioni)Sidebar: Claudio MonteverdiSummaryTerminologyAria StrophicThrough-composedDa capoDal segnoCavatina CantabileCabalettaRecitativeThe rhythm of languageDry (secco)Accompanied (accompagnato)SimpleMesuréeEnsemblesDuets and triosQuartets and larger ensemblesScenaMultipartite finalesVocal ranges (with sample roles)Musical Scores and EditionsAutographs/holographsFull orchestralPiano-vocalIndividual selectionsScholarly editionsPerforming editionsSummary2. Music and Text RelationshipsThe librettoPoetry and musical structuresCompositional strategiesSubjects, themes, and musical expressionSummary3. Opera in TheatersPatronagePublic TheatersEconomics of operaHistoric HousesSummary4. History of Opera on Media RecordingsOpera on musical boxesThe earliest recordingsOpera on LPs and CDsOperas on video and DVDFilm versionsSummary5. ProfessionsComposersLibrettistsSingersThe ImpresarioConductors and DirectorsMusicians and DancersCriticsSummary6. Opera as a Mirror of Culture and SocietyCultural ExpressionOpera as class symbolOperatic seasons and societyCensorshipOpera and religionGender politics NationalismThe Role of the AudienceSummaryPART IIGenres and Styles7. Serious OperaOpera seriaTragedie lyriqueOpéra comiqueMusic drama and GesamptkunstwerkSummary8. Comic OperaOpera buffaFarsaIntermezzoDramma giocosoOpéra comiqueOpéra bouffeSummary9. Semi-serious OperaOpera semiseriaOperettaSummary10. Vernacular OperaSingspielZarzuelaSemi-operaBallad operaSummary

General

Imprint:	Taylor & Francis
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Series:	The Basics
Release date:	November 2005
First published:	November 2005
Authors:	Denise Gallo
Dimensions:	198 x 129 x 16mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	224
Edition:	3rd Edition
ISBN-13:	978-0-415-97072-3
Categories:	Books > Arts & Architecture > Music > General Books > Arts & Architecture > Performing arts > Theatre, drama > Opera Books > Music > General Promotions
LSN:	0-415-97072-5
Barcode:	9780415970723

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