1. Definition of opera:
Opera is a dramatic work that uses vocal and instrumental music to express the plot. It is a combination of music and poetry, dramatic performance, dance, stage art, and costumes. It is a comprehensive art genre that is combined into one. 2. The structure of an opera:
The structure of an opera usually includes overture, intermezzo, chorus, duet, solo, etc. The solo of the protagonist in the opera is divided into arias, recitatives, minor arias, recitatives, cavatina, romance and serenade, etc. 3. What is the scope of opera?:
Opera and musicals, which both belong to the category of musical drama, are both highly comprehensive forms of stage drama.
From the perspective of cultural nature, opera belongs to traditional elegant art and classical art, while musicals belong to modern popular art, entertainment art and commercial art. 4. The origin and development of opera:
(1) At the end of the 16th century, a group of experts and scholars in Florence, Italy, who were keen on the Renaissance, ancient Greek and ancient Roman literature and art, were studying, discovering and recreating ancient Greek tragedies. He added creativity to the ancient method of poetry, combined poetry, music and drama, tried to create some vivid music and drama sketches, and performed them on some occasions, giving birth to the prototype of modern opera.
(2) The earliest opera recognized in the history of Western music is "Euridice". The libretto was written by Ottavio Rinuccini, and the music was composed by composers Perry and Caccini respectively. Published in 1600 (all original versions are circulating).
Although the version composed by Perry was published later than Caccini, it was premiered in Florence, Italy in 1600 to celebrate the wedding of King Henry IV of France and Maria de' Medici. The response was enthusiastic and It was premiered earlier than Caccini's version and is considered the birth of opera.
Prior to this, the opera "Daphne" composed by Perry did not receive this title because there was no complete score handed down.
(3) In 1607, Monteverdi completed the opera "Orfeo", becoming the first representative work in the history of opera.
It is based on the same story as Perry's opera "Euridice", with a libretto written by the poet Stricio. Monteverdi expanded the story into five acts, integrating the essence of musical expression techniques since the 16th century and his own creative experience.
This opera uses solo singing, duet singing and dance scenes, and makes the orchestral music correspond to the human voice, depict emotions and heighten the plot.
Italian opera during the Renaissance, thanks to its cultural dominance in Europe, was able to spread quickly to various European countries, promoting the development of operas in various countries.