The birth of opera marked a turning point in the history of music and theater because it was the first artistic form to combine music, singing, staging, and dramaturgy in an integrated way.
Opera completely disrupted the musical habits of its time by creating an unprecedented balance between music and text. It popularized the concept of accompanied monody, with a clearly highlighted voice and instrumental accompaniment aimed at enhancing the emotional intensity of the singing. This changed everything compared to the complex and polyphonic music of the past, where multiple voices were on equal footing. Opera also introduced the principle of the aria, that famous solo piece that showcases the singer's virtuosity and offers a moment of introspective expression of the character's emotions. Along with it came the style of recitative, a spoken song that allows for a smoother, more natural narration, close to everyday language, while remaining musical. Additionally, opera gave rise to the notion of the orchestra, with a more structured organization of musicians and instruments for a richer and more expressive sound palette.
Opera completely transformed the way theater is conceived by adding an intense musical dimension. It was no longer just about performing a play: now, emotions were primarily expressed through singing and the power of melodies. Everything was brought together: singing, theater, poetry, costumes, and sets in a single artistic creation. The audience was then immersed in a universe where everything was designed to make them deeply feel the story being told. Opera thus became a total work of art, where artists fully explored all scenic and visual aspects to impress and move the spectators.
Opera has significantly disrupted musical habits. For example, the idea of telling a story entirely through singing paved the way for forms like modern musical theatre. The principle of breaking down the plot into acts and scenes while varying the musical atmospheres directly influenced romantic symphonies, with their contrasting and narrative movements. Even film music, with its strong themes and exaggerated dramatizations, clearly draws from the legacy of opera. Wagner, with his leitmotifs (short musical motifs associated with a specific character or place), has inspired nearly all modern composers. In fact, a lot of the music we hear today owes a great deal to the theatrical and musical innovations brought by opera!
With the arrival of opera, theaters become places of exchange and social expression. People gather there, discuss the performances, showcase their status, and observe others: it is a true space where one displays oneself as much as one admires the artists on stage. It quickly becomes an unmissable event for all the affluent classes of Europe. Famous composers and singers are adored like true stars, akin to today's celebrities, creating a trend and a fascination never seen before. Moreover, some operas tackle political or social themes, sometimes serving indirectly as political critique or satire of the morals of the time. Opera also influences fashion and everyday attitudes: it’s an entire lifestyle that revolves around this phenomenon. In short, opera has not only shaped musical culture; it has truly left its mark on the very fabric of European society.
Did you know that the birth of opera originated from the attempt of a group of Florentine intellectuals called the Camerata Fiorentina, who aimed to rediscover the dramatic essence of ancient Greek tragedies?
The Venetian opera house, which opened in 1637, was the very first public opera theater. It revolutionized access to this musical genre by making it available not only to aristocrats but also to the general public, thus forever changing the history of live performance.
It is thanks to opera that the role of the modern conductor, as we know it today, emerged. Before that, the orchestra was often led by the harpsichordist or the first violin.
The famous Italian castrato Farinelli, whose life has inspired numerous stories and films, was able to hold incredibly long notes, sometimes causing impressed spectators to faint.
European royal courts greatly appreciated opera for its ability to symbolically represent their wealth, power, and cultural refinement. Opera provided lavish performances that often served as displays of political and social influence.
The opera introduced the idea of accompanied monody, an expressive song supported by a simple instrumental line, allowing for a clear transmission of emotions and the meaning of the sung text. This innovation stands in stark contrast to the complex polyphony that previously dominated.
With opera, European theater began to deeply integrate music, singing, and dance into dramatic storytelling. This established new ways to engage the audience emotionally and paved the way for a much richer and more elaborate theatrical staging.
The first opera generally considered foundational is 'Dafne' by Jacopo Peri, created in 1598. However, it is Claudio Monteverdi's 'L'Orfeo' from 1607 that is often cited as the major work that established the lasting artistic and musical foundations of modern opera.
Opera has significantly inspired and influenced new musical forms such as oratorio, cantata, and later genres like operetta and musical theatre, by fully integrating the narrative, theatrical, and musical concepts inherent to the originally created lyrical genre.
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