Opera, Zarzuela, Musicals, Ballet: A Concise Overview
The Expansion of Opera
Opera spread rapidly throughout Europe. During the 17th century, many theaters were built specifically for opera performances. These theaters, called opera houses, were built with a specific space allocated for musicians. Some are true architectural wonders.
Opera Seria and Opera Comique
Opera seria is characterized by dramatic topics inspired by mythology, history, and powerful, distinguished figures like heroes and kings. The music was exquisite and refined. These operas were
Read MoreMedieval and Renaissance Music: Gregorian Chant & Polyphony
Medieval and Renaissance Music
Gregorian chant is monophonic singing, without instrumental accompaniment, in Latin and used in the Catholic liturgy. Pope Gregory I unified the chants across Europe.
The Mass always has the same structure. The chants of the Ordinary (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei) are unchanged. The singing itself varies depending on the text of the liturgical year, or according to the festivities of the saints (Introitus, Graduale, Alleluia, Offertorium, and Communio)
Read MoreMusic Definitions: A Comprehensive List
Music Definitions
Here are some definitions of musical terms:
- Aria – A long, accompanied song for a solo voice, typically in an opera or oratorio.
- Art Song (Lied) – A song written to be sung in recital, typically with piano accompaniment and often set to a poem.
- Atonality – Not written in any key or mode.
- Basso Continuo – (In baroque music) An accompanying part that includes a bass line and harmonies, typically played on a keyboard instrument and with other instruments such as cello or bass viol.
- Cadenza
Flamenco Vocals, Palms, Guitar, and Origins: A Deep Dive
Flamenco Vocals: Exploring Different Voice Types
Let’s delve into the diverse vocal styles within flamenco:
- Afillá: A raspy, frayed, or very severe voice.
- Laine: A high-pitched and vibrant voice.
- Round: A manly and harmonic voice.
- Natural: A voice balanced between the round and afillá styles.
- Falsetto: Used to compensate for a lack of natural vocal range.
Flamenco Palms (Palmas): Types and Techniques
The different types of flamenco palms include:
- Redouble palms
- Deaf palms
- Dry palms
Understanding the Flamenco
Read MoreHumanism and Renaissance: Art, Society, and Spread
Humanism
Humanism was a philosophical and cultural movement that started in Italy in the 14th century.
Characteristics
- Anthropocentrism: They rejected theocentric mentality.
- Classical Antiquity: Greek and Latin texts inspired by the philosophers of antiquity, Plato and Aristotle.
- Scientific Curiosity: They were interested in science and technological progress.
Origin
During the 15th century, it spread to three different regions:
- Florence
- Rome
- Naples
Spread
- The use of the Romance languages: (French, Spanish,
Masterpieces of Music History: Baroque to Modern
Contents
- Baroque: Vivaldi and The Four Seasons, Bach and The Well-Tempered Clavier, Handel and Messiah
- Classical: Haydn and the “Emperor Quartet”, Mozart and Eine kleine Nachtmusik, Beethoven and Symphony No. 5
- Romantic: Schubert and “Erlkönig”, Chopin and Polonaise in A flat major, Berlioz and Symphonie fantastique, Bizet and Carmen
- Modern: Debussy and Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, Stravinsky and The Rite of Spring, Bernstein and West Side Story, Louie and Music for Piano, Adams and Short