Sara+Davis-+Baroque+Opera

Baroque Opera ** Baroque Era: ** The baroque era took place from the 1600 to the death of George Frederick Handel in 1759. Musical eras before 1600 were considered to be harsh in contrast. This was due to this eras focus on vocals and the vibrancy of individual instruments. Also it is noted for it introducing instrumental harmonies, which gave the music more color and a fuller sound. And of course it was also the birthplace of opera.

Definition of Baroque: // “The term Baroque probably ultimately derived from the Italian word barocco, which was a term used by philosophers during the Middle Ages to describe an obstacle in schematic logic. Subsequently the word came to denote any contorted idea or involuted process of thought. Another possible source is the Portuguese word barroco (Spanish barrueco), used to describe an irregular or imperfectly shaped pearl, and this usage still survives in the jeweller's term baroque pearl. In art criticism the word Baroque came to be used to describe anything irregular, bizarre, or otherwise departing from established rules and proportions.” // The word “baroque” was originally used as an insult to describe art or music which was overly extravagant, even slightly bizarre. It comes from the Portuguese word //barroco//, a misshapen pearl. In the twentieth century it became the respectable name for music from the 1600.

 media type="youtube" key="savmzf7AssE" height="385" width="480" History :  Throughout the Baroque time period the popularity of Opera grew. By the year 1756, which is marking the end of the baroque period, Opera was considered to be the most popular musical genera. The type of opera we still see today was created at the very beginning of the baroque period.  Operas were written originally to celebrate events such as royalty or vice-regal. But then that role was taken over by the serenata and the cantata. The role was taken over because Operas alone were drawing in large audiences, creating a "popular culture with the Europe-wide distribution of new works, and importantly for the later development of singing, creating a need for virtuoso performers which was fulfilled by singers like Farinelli, La Romanina, Bordoni, Cuzzoni, Senesino, Cafarelli, Carestini and those who followed." Operas at this time were originally conceived as an attempt to revive ancient Greek drama and were set to the music of well-known Italian composers. This unique combination made for a more appealing opera, many of which have lasted to this date. Baroque Opera House

** Opera : **  // "...a drama set to music and made up of vocal pieces with orchestral accompaniment and with orchestral overtures and interludes..." // Some elements that make up an opera are: · The Orchestra · The chorus · The libretto (script or lyrics) · Stage design · Performers · Costumes

** Conventions: ** The conventions of Baroque opera can be unfamiliar to modern day audiences. So here is a brief description of some common features of a Baroque Opera: <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 143%;">** High-voiced heroes: ** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 121%;">The heroic roles in Baroque opera were generally sung by a castrati. The voices of castrati were spectacular. Castrati were the rock stars of their day. They were adored by both men and women and were paid huge sums to sing. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;"> **Gender-bending:** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;"> <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 121%;">Since castrati had voices in the alto or soprano range, when one wasn’t available for a male role a woman was usually given the part. The interchangeability of men’s and women’s voices meant that young castrati could be given female roles. This was good for areas in Italy that women were banned from the stage. It also means that disguise plots abounded in which men would wear women’s clothes or women wear men’s clothes to conceal their identities. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">

<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,helvetica,sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px;">media type="youtube" key="ZUztZaS3zuk" height="385" width="480"

<span style="color: #800080; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 130%;">**<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%;">Conclusion: ** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 110%;">Baroque opera is one of the most beautiful art forms ever devised. Opera itself, is the stylish, dazzling, often beautiful, often sad, warm hearted, funny, and serious form of music that has enriched our lives for hundreds of years. Originally Opera was an art form for a privileged few, but today opera has evolved into an international multi-media crowd pleaser. Opera combines the best of all worlds- spectacular singing, rich orchestral sounds, drama, dance, beautiful sets, lavish costumes, elaborate lighting and special effects. These artistic qualities combine to make opera one of the most powerful and comprehensive art forms.

Bibliography [].
 * <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,helvetica,sans-serif; letter-spacing: 1px;">Baroque Opera." //Opera//. Encyclopedia Britanica, 2009. Web. Apr 2010.
 * “The Baroque Era." //Think Quest//. N.p., n.d. Web. 2 May 2010.

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Smith, E. (2007). //Baroque opera//. Retrieved from http://beggars-opera.com April 2010