Polytextuality
superimposition of different texts at the same time
semantic
simply using the word, its definition
phonetic
using how the word sounds to effect its meaning
syntax
where the music is placed in a musical phrase
Libretto/Librettist
The text of an Opera or other vocal work/ the author of the text of an opera
DaPonte
Italian Librettist
Boito
Librettist for Verdi’s Operas, Otella and Falstaff
The Marriage of Figaro
Opera by Mozart
Otello
Opera by Verdi
Number Opera
an opera with various elements (aria, recitation…etc)
Music Drama
Opera that is structured by dramatic effectiveness rather than a convention of a series of arias
Recitative
vocal passage a singer delivers with natural rhythms of speech
Aria
long accompanied song for a solo
Pants Role
a.k.a. Breeches Role; actress appears in young male clothing and plays a young male role
Program Music
Music intended to evoke images or convey the impression of events
Absolute Music
Instrumental music composed purely as music, not intended to represent of illustrate something else
Accrued Meaning
meaning of the music to the audience
Symbolic Meaning
commonly used melodies and procedures symbolized something
Narrative Contour
the story the music is trying to convey