1. Differences
1. The time and elements of origin are different: Opera has an earlier origin, which can be traced back to medieval dogmatic plays, mystery plays and a series of related scenes. pastoral suites and pastoral dramas. The most direct source of opera is the interlude, and its direct inspiration comes from ancient Greek drama. Musical drama appeared relatively late and is the product of opera's development to a certain extent. It originated from comedy opera, Qing opera, vaudeville and burlesque performances.
2. The focus of the test is different: singing plays a major role in operas. Although it also performs dramatic conflicts in the script, it is far inferior to musicals. Musical theater focuses on performance. It is a comprehensive art composed of vocal music, dance, stage art, script, etc. It is relatively balanced, and the arias are relatively popular.
3. Different music forms: Most operas use bel canto singing, using a large number of arias and recitatives. Opera singing has far higher requirements for voice and singing skills than pop songs. Opera music is mostly based on classical music composition techniques based on more traditional orchestras.
Musicals belong to the category of pop music. Most of them use popular singing methods and use singing methods that best meet the needs of contemporary audiences. Many of the pop songs on the list are episodes of musicals. Musicals are more free in the choice of music style, often involving the intervention of jazz, rock and other popular music elements, and the orchestration often uses a large number of electroacoustic band instruments.
4. The contents of stage performances are different: in operas, dance is often used as an interspersed and colorful factor, but musicals are based on drama, with music as the soul, and dance as the important factor. A means of expression, a performing arts entertainment product that tells stories and depicts characters through the integration of the three major elements of music, dance, and drama.
Musicals are not dogmatic. They are bolder and freer. They pay attention to fast pace and are good at creating tension. The stage atmosphere is passionate and fiery. The characters in the play often explain the plot in dialogue and feel in the hearts of the characters. The emotions are stirring and the dramatic contradictions are sharp.
5. The stage layout is different: the musical's setting is luxurious, the scene is magnificent, colorful, meets the needs of the plot, responds to the audience's taste, and the layout is bold, exaggerated, and free. and uses advanced stage technology. In comparison, opera seems a bit monotonous.
6. The requirements for actors are different: most people who sing bel canto are not in good shape, and the requirements for their dancing and other aspects are not very high. If a male opera actor has a big belly, an actress has a plump body. , this does not affect their performance, and the audience can also accept it.
But musicals emphasize the overall effect of various artistic elements, so when performing a musical role, actors must take into account various performance elements at the same time. Simply put, they must be good at singing and dancing.
2. Concept
Musicals were originally translated as musicals. They are a stage art form that combines singing, dialogue, performance, and dance. Through the close combination of songs, lines, music, body movements, etc., the storyline and the emotions contained in it are expressed.
Opera is a Western stage performing art. Simply put, it is a drama that mainly or entirely uses singing and music to explain and express the plot (a drama that is sung rather than spoken). Opera only appeared in Florence, Italy, at the end of the 16th century, around 1600. It originated from the theater music of ancient Greek dramas. Opera performances, like those of drama, rely on the typical elements of theater, such as backgrounds, costumes, and performances. Extended information
Opera, the representative word for opera in Western languages, comes from the plural form of "work" in Latin (Opus, Opera). It was later extended to other European languages ??through Italian. As the name suggests, the original meaning of opera does not only include the stage. Solo, duet and chorus, as well as dialogue, acting and dance.
At the end of the 16th century, a group of humanist scholars in Florence, Italy formed the "Camerata" group to revive the stage performing arts of ancient Greece. They believe that the "chorus" part of ancient Greek drama is actually a chorus part. Some even think that ancient Greek drama is actually the same as today's opera, and all plots are explained in songs.
So when the first known opera in history, "Dafne" composed by Jacopo Peri and based on ancient Greek mythology, premiered in 1597 , the reviews were very positive, and they all believed that it "successfully revived the dramatic spirit of ancient Greece".
Musicals are staged all over the world, but the most frequent performances are on Broadway in New York City in the United States and the West End of London in the United Kingdom. Therefore, the term Broadway musical can refer to musicals performed on Broadway, and often refers to all musicals similar to Broadway style. The most important awards in the musical theater industry are the Tony Award in the United States (candidates for musicals staged on Broadway) and the Olivier Award in the United Kingdom (candidates for musicals staged in London's West End).
With the healthy and rapid development of China's economy, the people's demand for cultural entertainment has also undergone diversified changes. Musicals, a new art form, have quickly become popular with their audio-visual, elegant and popular appeal. Characteristics attract a fixed and growing audience.
Reference: Baidu Encyclopedia - Musical
Baidu Encyclopedia - Opera