Opera

What is opera, exactly? A form of Western theatre where music takes center stage, opera is a captivating blend of drama, singing, and performing arts that has captivated audiences for centuries.

The Essence of Opera

Opera is more than just a performance; it’s an intricate collaboration between composers and librettists, weaving together acting, scenery, costume, dance, and ballet. The heart of opera lies in its music, where singers play dramatic roles that unfold through arias, recitatives, and ensemble pieces led by an orchestra or ensemble under the direction of a conductor.

The Origins and Evolution

Tracing back to Italy at the end of the 16th century, opera spread like wildfire across Europe. From its early forms such as Singspiel, Opéra comique, and opera seria, it evolved through various styles including bel canto, grand opera, and modernist movements.

The Italian word ‘opera’ means ‘work,’ derived from Latin. The earliest composition considered an opera was Dafne by Jacopo Peri, written around 1597, under the inspiration of a group of humanists known as the Camerata de’ Bardi. Claudio Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo is often credited with being the first regularly performed opera, composed in 1607.

Key Periods and Movements

The Baroque era saw broad comedy blended with tragic elements, sparking reform movements sponsored by the Arcadian Academy. The poet Metastasio helped crystallize the genre of opera seria, which became the leading form of Italian opera until the end of the 18th century.

Opera buffa emerged as a separate genre, featuring comedy and comic plots, elevating the role of the orchestra in operas by the 19th century, particularly in Wagner’s music, which revolutionized opera by abolishing distinctions between aria and recitative.

The Golden Age and Beyond

During the mid-to-late 19th century, a golden age of opera was led by Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner. Verdi’s operas resonated with the growing spirit of Italian nationalism, becoming an icon of the patriotic movement for a unified Italy.

Verdi developed his style by composing Don Carlos, Otello, and Falstaff, which showcased Italian opera’s sophistication since the early 19th century. After Verdi, Giacomo Puccini revolutionized opera with works like Rigoletto, La Bohème, and Tosca.

The sentimental ‘realistic’ melodrama of verismo emerged after Verdi, dominated by works like La Bohème, Tosca, and Madama Butterfly. In Germany, Richard Wagner was revolutionary and controversial, creating a new concept of opera as a Gesamtkunstwerk with complex leitmotifs and violating accepted musical conventions.

Modern Developments

The 20th century saw the emergence of atonality in opera, manifesting through the development of modernist movements. Composers such as Arnold Schoenberg pushed this style further, followed by Alban Berg’s Wozzeck and Lulu.

Modernism in opera also manifested through the use of smaller orchestras due to cost-cutting measures, with many operas now scored for chamber-sized works and short, one-act performances. Contemporary historical operas have emerged, focusing on recent living memory events such as The Death of Klinghoffer, Nixon in China, and Doctor Atomic by John Adams.

The Role of the Orchestra

Historically, the orchestra played a crucial role in opera, evolving from small string orchestras to larger ensembles with new instruments added over time. In Wagnerian operas, the orchestra often played recurrent musical themes or leitmotifs, elevating its status.

The role of leading musicians also changed over time. In the Baroque era, harpsichord players directed the orchestra while sitting. In the Classical period, the first violinist, concertmaster, led the orchestra while standing. The conductor emerged later, with a podium and hand gestures.

Language and Translation

The language of opera has historically been Italian, but composers supervised versions in both Italian and French until the mid-1950s. Opera houses staged Wagner’s works in Italian, but after World War II, scholars refocused on original versions. Knowledge of European languages is essential for professional singers, with linguistics and musicianship being major parts of training.

Modern Consumption

The emergence of the Internet has affected opera consumption. The Metropolitan Opera began live HD video transmissions to cinemas worldwide in 2006. Major opera companies have also presented performances in local cinemas throughout the US and other countries, with approximately 125 theaters in 117 U.S. cities carrying showings.

Supertitles began to appear in opera houses in the 1980s, providing translations for audiences who may not know the language well. Today, many opera houses provide either supertitles or individual seat screens with multiple language options. TV broadcasts typically include subtitles as well.

The Future of Opera

While operas are now rarely performed in translation except for some productions intended for young audiences, the future of opera lies in its ability to adapt and evolve. With the rise of technology, opera continues to find new ways to engage audiences, from live video transmissions to streaming performances.

In conclusion, opera is a timeless art form that has evolved through centuries, adapting to changing times while maintaining its core essence. As it continues to thrive in the modern world, opera remains a powerful medium for storytelling and artistic expression, captivating hearts and minds with its unique blend of music, drama, and performance.