Download - Chapter 23: Romantic Opera: Italy
![Page 1: Chapter 23: Romantic Opera: Italy](https://reader030.vdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022033022/568133d8550346895d9acf17/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Chapter 23:Romantic Opera: Italy
![Page 2: Chapter 23: Romantic Opera: Italy](https://reader030.vdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022033022/568133d8550346895d9acf17/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)• Most popular opera composer throughout Europe
• His operas are performed more than any others
• Early operas supported Italian nationalism– Promoted a united Italy
• Dramas turned to domestic themes and personal conflict
• Opera standards include: Rigoletto (1851), La traviata (1853), Il trovatore (1853), Aida (1871)
![Page 3: Chapter 23: Romantic Opera: Italy](https://reader030.vdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022033022/568133d8550346895d9acf17/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Verdi’s Dramaturgy and Musical Style
• Conflict – personal or national – the root of every emotion
• Clear expression of emotion
• Emotional states almost melodramatic
• Intense passion and nonstop action– Recitativo accompagnato: Orchestra accompanies the
recitative; Smooth transitions between recitative and aria
– Arias push singers to the utmost of their range
– Bel canto style
![Page 4: Chapter 23: Romantic Opera: Italy](https://reader030.vdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022033022/568133d8550346895d9acf17/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
La traviata (1853)• “The Woman Gone Astray”
• Based on a story (Camille) by Alexandre Dumas
• Pits passionate love against middle-class morality
• “Un di felice”– Gala party at the end of the first act
– Alfredo and Violetta sing to each other
![Page 5: Chapter 23: Romantic Opera: Italy](https://reader030.vdocuments.net/reader030/viewer/2022033022/568133d8550346895d9acf17/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
La traviata, Act I, Scene 6•A Scena
– Slow aria (“Ah fors´è lui”)
– Recitative accompagnata (“Follie!”)
– Cabaletta (“Sempre libera”)• A fast-paced concluding aria
• Virtuosity serves a dramatic purpose
• Allows character to rush off stage