Opera
staged, sung drama
all words are sung
libretto
the text of the opera, the “little book”
soprano
coloratura, lyric, dramatic
alto
mezzo-sopranos and contraltos
tenor
lyric or dramatic tenors
bass
baritones, basso buffo, basso profundo
recitative
used for vonversations, narration of events, moves the plot forward. speech rhythm, very sparse accompaniment.
secco recitative
accompanied by only a basso continuo
accompanied recitative
includes more orchestral instruments
aria
usually reflects upon an event or emotion, or expresses highly dramativ emotions – pain, fear, anger, sadness, happiness. Instrumental accompanimnet very imortant in setting the mood, a distinct meloding line following the meter.
Ensemble
several singers at once, may be a duo, trio, quartet, quintet, sextet, septet, octet.
overture or prelude
music the orchestra plays before the curtain goes up, sets the mood for the opening scene, may preview major themes of the opera
opera buffa
comic opera
opera seria
serious opera
grand opera
elaborate scenery and costumes, large crowd scenes
operetta
smaller in scale, lighter subject matter
Handel
wrote 39 Italian operas, performed in london, based on ancient Greek and Roman hostiry or mythology