Nicole Marmo Opera and Musical Theater I’ve never really been a fan of the Opera or musical theater. I saw a couple of plays on Broadway when I was younger, but nothing really ever made me say, “wow that play was amazing.” So, I just assumed musicals weren’t for me. When I was younger I saw both Tarzan and the Lion King on Broadway, but to be honest, I liked the movies better. But the one thing I did like about these musicals was that there were kids in them to play the younger characters. The Lion King threw me off a little bit because the actors would wear headpieces to symbolize what type of animal they were. It confused me because I saw it when I was 8 so I just couldn’t pay attention because the movie was just so much better.
Opera is another form of theater I cannot enjoy; however, I think I can honestly say that I will never go see an opera. In my high school Italian class we were forced to watch the play, Turandot and it was just really confusing. I also don’t enjoy the opera singing style. It’s kind of annoying to listen to someone sing one word for 30 seconds while being obnoxiously loud. However, because of my heritage I’m forced to like this kind of music because it’s played at every family event and one of my cousins sings Italian music like this at weddings and various big family events. The whole family is supportive, but I prefer to listen and see musicals with a faster pace in music and also preferably in English.
Reading this passage I learned so much about the opera. I didn’t think it was such a science to sing a certain way I thought it was something you just had the voice for. This passage also goes on to explain how to enjoy the opera and what the experiences are supposed to be, and in my opinion, if it needs to be explained instead of understood, then it really isn’t enjoyable for the everyday person. I’m sure there are plenty of people who genuinely enjoy the Opera, I’m just not one of them. The opera is a fancy event and I’m not the type of person to get all dressed up really fancy to go see a play and it’s also really expensive. Unless I won tickets or was invited to go with others for free, I would probably never go to an Opera.
John Yusza I always considered opera just as another form of acting kind of like a musical. I never thought of it as having much differentiation from any other play besides the stereo typical big theater with over dressed patrons and the fat lady on stage singing louder than anyone has ever heard and breaking a glass with her voice. That is what comes to mind when I hear the word opera. Also I thought it had no stage props or scenes it was just the person singing no acting whatsoever but apparently I was wrong. The reading says that opera includes all of those elements which I believed it excluded and made it unique.
I think it is just crazy how much preparation there is for opera. The intense training it takes for someone’s lungs to be able to do the things it does for opera, and only people over thirty are fully capable. I think this is probably why it is more so considered an old people art because if no one young is doing it then it would and does not attract that many young viewers. I definitely appreciate the effort that it takes now that I know but I don’t think I like opera still, even though I have admittibly never been to one. I definitely agree with the author of the book when he says that you either love opera or you hate it. The generality of people I believe hate opera. I never hear people talking about how much they love opera. I think the people who love opera are the ones who are somehow connected to it, as in they know someone who performs or they themselves performed at one point.
Opera still gives off that impression of being only for rich cultured people. It is the type of thing that just seems so easy to fall asleep to as well. I am not denying opera as an art I am just saying I feel like it is not one of the more exciting forms.
Similarly to theater, I have always been really impressed with opera. I find the volume by which they sing impressive, as well as how many of them do it in a language that is not their own. I have seen a couple plays on Broadway I enjoyed them but honestly prefer a good movie to a good play, based on past experience the seats aren’t as comfortable either but that’s not really the point. The plays, which I attended where musical theater and not opera, my only experience with opera has been in my high school music class. My teacher sinisterly tested us on who wrote what play, who composed the music and we needed to be able to tell different operas apart based on plot, language and characters. Suffice it to say I did not do very well in that class and my opinions on opera are forever diminished.
Personally my main problem with opera is the language barrier. I do not have the patience to sit through that much singing without any kind of understanding of the story. I also find it frustrating not knowing what is going on because I do not know the language. Maybe if I saw an opera in english, I would enjoy it more then the Italian ones I have been exposed to in the past. I also found it kind of cool that an opera singer doesn’t reach the peak of their ability until the age thirty or later because they need to reach their physical prime. I think this really emphasizes the level of skill necessary to be a talented opera singer. I also think it is cool that because of the level of talent needed to be a good opera singer, they become international stars, going from country to country to preform.
While I doubt I will ever attend an opera, I do respect the talent and drive vital to success in the industry. Furthermore, think how opera singers’ sing adds another dimension to the performance. The strength in how they sing creates a powerful performance difficult to create through different mediums.
I have always been impressed with opera. I first heard of opera on TV, particularly the famous comedy sketch of bugs bunny orchestrating the opera singer. I've learnt that it's not easy to hit those high and low notes with such volume, and then be able to hold those notes on top of that. It is a vocal art, and not everyone can do it or is brave enough to do it. Like for example a little kid or an old person can't do this art form. But it's surprising to see what kind of people can do it. Like the performances on shows, for example America's Got Talent that can be found on YouTube, where it is just shocking and fascinating to watch and hear. In fact, people tear up when they hear the art and I don't think I have ever seen people cry when observing other art forms. It's even mentioned in the chapter that opera is "the most captivating and beautiful thing that a human being can do..."
The chapter begins with the origins of opera in the Renaissance period in Europe as well as other settings opera can be found in. Then it talks about the difference type of operatic voices than can be heard. Growing up, my music teacher in elementary school taught it all backwards in which he taught us that alto was the high voice and soprano was the low voice. I've thought that it was like this until the end of high school, and I didn't become aware until a friend had to prove me wrong in an argument. It's also nice to see that there are other forms of operatic voices besides these two as well such as tenor, baritone, and bass like the instruments. Like every other chapter, it concludes with how to understand the art and listen to opera, and I feel fairly confident that I can do this already, however it might be more difficult for those that just don't enjoy opera.
Kristin Portsmouth Aesthetics Response 7 October 19, 2014
The book has it completely right when it says, “Opera has the reputation of something you either love or hate.” The biggest thing to overcome is the social barrier; when I first think of opera I immediately think of rich snobs dressing up and acting like they are better than everyone else because they go to the opera. This might not be the case in reality, but in TV shows and movies this is how operagoers are portrayed. Another reason I am not particularly a fan of opera is because they look down on other forms of musical theater. They have no right to say a Broadway musical is lesser in quality simply because it creates a more fun environment. These beliefs are what give opera a bad name and that’s a shame because opera is an art that should be appreciated.
I have never attended an opera, however in my high school Italian class we actually watched an opera mentioned in this chapter, Turandot. As mentioned it was difficult to understand the actual words the actors were singing, but lucky for us there were subtitles to follow along with. This opera is actually in Italian so that also was a little difficult to follow along with. As mentioned opera is highly stylized and you can see this when a 200-pound matron plays the teenage Chinese princess in Puccini’s Turandot. This is something new I learned; an opera singer doesn’t hit their full maturity till they are about thirty or later. Knowing this now, Turandot makes a little more sense. There were a lot of older actors/actresses playing characters that were supposed to be young princesses and men fighting for her love.
I knew opera singers needed a lot of training to reach the notes they do and hold them for so long, but I had no idea it took that long to reach your peak. I have much more respect for opera singers now. I have always appreciated the actors and actresses in opera, but I never liked the people who attended these operas. Operas are unique to any other musical theater and that’s what keeps it alive in the industry and keeps people coming back to again and again.
This chapter talks about Opera and I hate to say it but that topic completely has no interest to me. Just like the thought of sitting in a theater dressed up listening to people sing at the top of their lungs and not being able to understand what the words are just does not sound like something I want to do. It is definitely different when you grow up in that type of environment where you’re a little girl and you watch your mom do her make up and get dressed up to go to the opera with your dad but just like I don’t even know anyone who has gone to one.
When I think about opera and the kind of people that attend them I think of like England and royalty and big hair and extravagant gowns and lots of jewelry almost like a parade of how much money does each person have. I have no idea why I think of that and it’s not the correct view to have of opera but that’s just like the impression and lack of knowledge I have about opera coming out.
The chapter mentioned how opera singers don’t usually reach the peak of their careers until there thirties. This amazes me just because it proves how much time, effort, practice, and skill are needed to be a well-respected opera singer. Their voice needs to be able to be as dimensional as their performance so that their tone can change to show like what is occurring in the opera whether it’s a sad moment or a happy moment. I most definitely respect opera as a form of art because even though its not something I would go to there are clearly people who love it and are passionate about it. Opera takes a lot of time because of the language difference and how it is a completely different language, which I did not know before reading this chapter. I give a lot of credit to the people who work in opera because it seems like it’s an art that requires you to devote your life to it and I would never be someone to do that. Opera is definitively not something that I will ever have a want to attend but I respect it as an art form and I respect the passion that people have for it.
Todays’ reading was on opera and musical theater, and to start things off I plan to never attend an opera show. Something about someone singing for an extensive time with words you don’t quite know doesn’t sound fun to me. In the reading this week they started off by saying “the first obstacle to liking opera is the language. You may not understand a word they’re saying up there on stage”.(P.80) I’m puzzled how people can like something where you cant really understand what they are saying. Then I started to question the music I listen to. The rapper Future is one of favorites, but to someone that doesn’t often listen to Future his lyrics sounds like he is drugged to the max speaking another language.
In the section Opera by degree, I learned different aspect to opera. I leaned that Musical Comedy Is actually considered opera. The difference is that the voice parts are less demanding and can be played by a single actor. Original Opera has one deep central voice but can have other singers involved too. I thought it was interesting to have different form of Opera and see how it has changed and has gotten less popular throughout the years. I also found it cool that this was looked at a clicky group made for the upper class. The book relates opera houses to tennis clubs.
Anna Strang This week's readings lesson was all about the opera and the musical theater. Me personally, I have never been to the opera. I have never had the opportunity to go to an opera, but I would like to go once time in my lifetime. I only really want to go once because I do not think I will enjoy the opera. For what I have seen in movies and heard about operas from other people is that they are very long and very loud. So, the only reason I want to go once is to have that cultural experience.
Now my feelings are completely opposite for the musical theater. I absolutely love the musical theater. Growing up in New York and living so close to Broadway, I was unfortunate enough to go to many broadway musicals. To mention a couple, I have seen: Wicked, Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia, Bye Bye Birdie, Hairspray, and Cinderella. Those are only a couple that I have been too. I love the strong and power voices of the actors on stage. My favorite musical that I have seen is Wicked. The entire casts was amazing and every song gave me goosebumps. It always amazed me how spectacular and extravagant the sets.
What I learned from this chapter about the opera is that no one is born with a strong range opera voice. There is intense training that takes years to complete.The chapter also mentioned that the stereotype that you have to dress very fancy is not true. That you actually can just dress comfortably. But to me dressing comfortably means wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt. I do not believe that would appropriate to wear to the opera. Now for this chapter they consider musical theater and opera to be the same. I do not consider them the same even though they are very similar. I hope to one day to enjoy the opera and be cultured. And I know that I will go back home and go to more musical theaters.
I would have to say that this chapter on Opera and Musical Theater was the most boring chapter so far. Although I have some sort of appreciation for this form of art, I believe it to be extremely boring and old fashion. The section in the chapter that talks about Operatic Voices is interesting. I remember in middle school when I had to take a chorus class and the teacher asked what range you thought your voice was. He grouped people into altos, tenors, sopranos, and basses. I never really thought about how cool the idea of a vocal range was. It makes singing more unique than just playing an instrument because on an instrument, anyone can play any note. When your singing, someone could sing a note so high that its physically impossible for your vocal cords to copy.
A lot of peoples' excuse for not liking the opera is that they can't understand what they are saying because they are speaking a different language. I have to admit that some of the artists I listen to are speaking english and I still can't understand what they are saying. For me, the reason why I don't like opera is because of the people I would be around. It mentioned in the chapter that there is a stereotype on who goes to the opera. They are normally wealthy, snooty, and overdressed. The author said in order for us to enjoy our experience, we should dress comfortable and not care what other people think. Light opera sounds like something I could be interested in because it is often performed in English and usually appeals to more people.
I thought it was interesting that the author believes that there is no opera singer that was born with the voice he or she performs with. It takes great skill and practice to be able to project your voice like they do. This explains why most opera singers are above the age of thirty. Someone must be very dedicated to the art of opera to practice for that many years until you are at a level where you can perform, just like a doctor has to go through so many years of school.
When I think of musical theater, I honestly think of broadway musicals. I fail to recognize the fact that opera counts as musical theater as well. I have been to a ton of big productions, including the Nutcracker, Cats, Wicked, Jersey Boys, and The Lion King (twice). My family allowed me to experience these things to give me a view of that type of culture. I have great respect for these performances and I am aways amazed at how fantastic the productions are.
As far as theater such as opera goes, I know nothing. I am not particularly interested in opera, however I recognize the talent, time, and training that it requires. It takes years for people to train their voice for opera. With that being said, these performers are devoting their lives and committing themselves to opera in hope of become a top performer. Its amazing. I would not necessarily want to sit through an entire opera show, but I think maybe a half hour or so of it would be awesome.
This chapter described how much work goes into musical theater and I believe that people should truly respect and appreciate that.
I really liked how this chapter began by explaining what to expect at an Opera. I know I have never been to one, and I assume that most people my age haven’t either, so the fact that this chapter states what to expect before going to one, is extremely helpful. This chapter also knows all of the stereotypes towards Opera performances and quickly dismisses them, before getting too deep into what Opera is and the history of it. I have seen bits and pieces of Opera performances on TV, in movies, online, but never in person. All of the times I have seen them, I always figured that the singer was born with the ability to sing as they do. I never knew that it required years of training in order to put on a successful performance. I have never been able to sing myself and have never taken any lessons, but from what I have heard about singing, the training seems very similar to just regular singing. Both need to use their lungs to really sing well. Of course, they are very different types of singing, but all of it comes from the lungs. They are also very different because of the fact that opera has multiple different voices that can be used, all based on different ranges of notes and quality. This chapter reminded me a lot about how we learn in class. It explained the history of Opera, which began around 1775., while also talking about all of the most famous Opera singers over the last few centuries and what they created and performed. I really like this way of learning because it provides me with a timeline of events, when learning about something new. It still makes sure to not leave out relevance to today’s society, by talking about Broadway and how it relates to both the history of Opera and the current day Opera. I am not going to lie, I probably still won’t listen to Opera after reading this or go out and search for a show to go see, but I definitely feel more informed about it now. I always just saw it as a thing rich people would go and watch when they’re
Opera has never been a subject of art that I have been particularly interested in. Since the first time I can recall hearing these musical stylings I have found them rather boring, opera never really peaked my interest musically. I can safely say after reading this chapter and examining the positive aspects of opera I remain uninterested in this genre of music. This is not because of the setting, snobby background, or even the singing. My disinterest lies in my generations vast difference in musical stylings than those of opera music.
However regardless of my disinterest this chapter broadened (if only a little) my opinions regarding opera music. I realize that a lot of what has to do with opera is not necessarily the snobby, eyeglass wearing people you would expect to be viewing the concert. There are many who just simply attend the opera of artists such as Renee Fleming and Bryn Terfel to enjoy the music they have come to enjoy. I found this rather reassuring that there are people ho do not use opera as an excuse to show off their wealth. I find that in movies and television shows many directors choose to use opera as a portrayal of rich and snobby people’s way of showing off their wealth.
I also found the section regarding the training of opera singers very interested. Because I know little about this musical genre I have made many assumptions about the singers of opera. I have always assumed they were born with the ability to increase the volume of their voice to such insane lengths. In this chapter I learned that this assumption was incorrect. Singers must learn to expand their breath in order to increase the volume of their voice. In turn this will allow the singer’s voice to reach each audience member. It is amazing to me how long an opera singer will have to hold their breath in order to reach the ears of their audience. This must require a vast amount of practice, and teaching to achieve this.
Although this chapter has not changed my opinion about opera music it has opened my mind up to the act and therefore increased the respect I have for this musical genre. Opera is truly a great form of art and I hope others are able to cherish the practice, work, and talent it requires to perform this type of music.
Opera is thus far the one thing that I have not come in contact with at all in my life. I have never taken time to listen, see performances, or done anything that really has to do with opera. It is interesting to learn about the culture of opera, how it is defined as a snooty, rich audience and fans. Also I found it surprising that opera fans look down on other forms of music in the world, as if they are below them. Also I was enlightened to find out that opera involves theater and dance, when I think of opera I literally just imagine a huge lady yelling on a stage while the audience is asleep. On that note I was obviously shocked to learn that in the past opera would only be allowed with ballet. I enjoyed the knowledge of singing opera in itself. It was a shock to me that training for opera takes years and years of practice, and that an opera singer does not reach their full operatic potential until age 30 or later. Learning about the column of air that opera singers perfect over these years of training was something that I do not think I could ever do, so I gained some respect for this art form just off of that itself. The six types of opera sounds were interesting, I thought there would actually be more. The main problem that I have with calling opera art, is that it is extremely repetitive. With only six different types it seems that there is a limit to how many different pieces of opera can be made. I have to say though, I enjoyed this chapter a lot more than I thought I would.
When I think of opera, I often think of someone using their voice in a way that I am not able to understand all the words that comes out of their mouth. Although very beautiful, I find it very hard to listen to opera since I don’t full understand the words behind the singing. Growing up, I was never exposed to that genre of music, my parents mostly listen to classical rock and jazz. I also didn’t realize how opera often tells a story in the world of musical theater. Dating back, opera was created by a few men who wanted to recreate the drama of classical Greece, but in Italy. Since then, opera has become much more than that. Unlike other genres of music, opera focused on a certain clientele- those living in royal or urban societies. The “capitals” of opera include Venice, Milan, Paris, London, Vienna, and even today, New York. While many places focus on the major elements- music, drama, dance, and staging, in Western traditions, it all about the human voice. Learning how to perform opera takes lots of practice and doesn’t just happen over night, but often takes years, until the age of 30 or later. When learning how to perform opera, training learn the basics, how to breathe correctly when performing and the different types of operatic voices. After reading this chapter and learning more about what opera is, I find it more interesting and may even consider going to see a opera in on Broadway.
Before reading the chapter opera and musical theater, I personally thought I would find it boring and uninteresting. After reading it, I actually was wrong. There is a lot more work that going into opera that I originally thought. I think as it says in this chapter, its truly something you will love or hate and definitely has its stereotypes. Its interesting how it covers music, singing and dance along with visual design all in one performance. One would imagine people are born naturally with these voices, but in the chapter it explains how much practice goes into sounding like this. Before reading this chapter I really didn’t think opera was anything but voice, and after reading it I realized that there is so much more to it. My favorite part about this chapter was how it talked about how opera tells stories and how dramatic and deep the story is, you can tell by the music and it can truly amaze you.
When I was younger, we took a field trip and saw performers of opera. Although I hardly remember this experience, I think if i were in this situation again I would definitely pay more attention to all the different pieces put together to make this performance enjoyable.
Nicole Marmo
ReplyDeleteOpera and Musical Theater
I’ve never really been a fan of the Opera or musical theater. I saw a couple of plays on Broadway when I was younger, but nothing really ever made me say, “wow that play was amazing.” So, I just assumed musicals weren’t for me. When I was younger I saw both Tarzan and the Lion King on Broadway, but to be honest, I liked the movies better. But the one thing I did like about these musicals was that there were kids in them to play the younger characters. The Lion King threw me off a little bit because the actors would wear headpieces to symbolize what type of animal they were. It confused me because I saw it when I was 8 so I just couldn’t pay attention because the movie was just so much better.
Opera is another form of theater I cannot enjoy; however, I think I can honestly say that I will never go see an opera. In my high school Italian class we were forced to watch the play, Turandot and it was just really confusing. I also don’t enjoy the opera singing style. It’s kind of annoying to listen to someone sing one word for 30 seconds while being obnoxiously loud. However, because of my heritage I’m forced to like this kind of music because it’s played at every family event and one of my cousins sings Italian music like this at weddings and various big family events. The whole family is supportive, but I prefer to listen and see musicals with a faster pace in music and also preferably in English.
Reading this passage I learned so much about the opera. I didn’t think it was such a science to sing a certain way I thought it was something you just had the voice for. This passage also goes on to explain how to enjoy the opera and what the experiences are supposed to be, and in my opinion, if it needs to be explained instead of understood, then it really isn’t enjoyable for the everyday person. I’m sure there are plenty of people who genuinely enjoy the Opera, I’m just not one of them. The opera is a fancy event and I’m not the type of person to get all dressed up really fancy to go see a play and it’s also really expensive. Unless I won tickets or was invited to go with others for free, I would probably never go to an Opera.
John Yusza
ReplyDeleteI always considered opera just as another form of acting kind of like a musical. I never thought of it as having much differentiation from any other play besides the stereo typical big theater with over dressed patrons and the fat lady on stage singing louder than anyone has ever heard and breaking a glass with her voice. That is what comes to mind when I hear the word opera. Also I thought it had no stage props or scenes it was just the person singing no acting whatsoever but apparently I was wrong. The reading says that opera includes all of those elements which I believed it excluded and made it unique.
I think it is just crazy how much preparation there is for opera. The intense training it takes for someone’s lungs to be able to do the things it does for opera, and only people over thirty are fully capable. I think this is probably why it is more so considered an old people art because if no one young is doing it then it would and does not attract that many young viewers. I definitely appreciate the effort that it takes now that I know but I don’t think I like opera still, even though I have admittibly never been to one. I definitely agree with the author of the book when he says that you either love opera or you hate it. The generality of people I believe hate opera. I never hear people talking about how much they love opera. I think the people who love opera are the ones who are somehow connected to it, as in they know someone who performs or they themselves performed at one point.
Opera still gives off that impression of being only for rich cultured people. It is the type of thing that just seems so easy to fall asleep to as well. I am not denying opera as an art I am just saying I feel like it is not one of the more exciting forms.
Owen Graig
ReplyDeleteSimilarly to theater, I have always been really impressed with opera. I find the volume by which they sing impressive, as well as how many of them do it in a language that is not their own. I have seen a couple plays on Broadway I enjoyed them but honestly prefer a good movie to a good play, based on past experience the seats aren’t as comfortable either but that’s not really the point. The plays, which I attended where musical theater and not opera, my only experience with opera has been in my high school music class. My teacher sinisterly tested us on who wrote what play, who composed the music and we needed to be able to tell different operas apart based on plot, language and characters. Suffice it to say I did not do very well in that class and my opinions on opera are forever diminished.
Personally my main problem with opera is the language barrier. I do not have the patience to sit through that much singing without any kind of understanding of the story. I also find it frustrating not knowing what is going on because I do not know the language. Maybe if I saw an opera in english, I would enjoy it more then the Italian ones I have been exposed to in the past. I also found it kind of cool that an opera singer doesn’t reach the peak of their ability until the age thirty or later because they need to reach their physical prime. I think this really emphasizes the level of skill necessary to be a talented opera singer. I also think it is cool that because of the level of talent needed to be a good opera singer, they become international stars, going from country to country to preform.
While I doubt I will ever attend an opera, I do respect the talent and drive vital to success in the industry. Furthermore, think how opera singers’ sing adds another dimension to the performance. The strength in how they sing creates a powerful performance difficult to create through different mediums.
Dustin Wade
ReplyDeleteI have always been impressed with opera. I first heard of opera on TV, particularly the famous comedy sketch of bugs bunny orchestrating the opera singer. I've learnt that it's not easy to hit those high and low notes with such volume, and then be able to hold those notes on top of that. It is a vocal art, and not everyone can do it or is brave enough to do it. Like for example a little kid or an old person can't do this art form. But it's surprising to see what kind of people can do it. Like the performances on shows, for example America's Got Talent that can be found on YouTube, where it is just shocking and fascinating to watch and hear. In fact, people tear up when they hear the art and I don't think I have ever seen people cry when observing other art forms. It's even mentioned in the chapter that opera is "the most captivating and beautiful thing that a human being can do..."
The chapter begins with the origins of opera in the Renaissance period in Europe as well as other settings opera can be found in. Then it talks about the difference type of operatic voices than can be heard. Growing up, my music teacher in elementary school taught it all backwards in which he taught us that alto was the high voice and soprano was the low voice. I've thought that it was like this until the end of high school, and I didn't become aware until a friend had to prove me wrong in an argument. It's also nice to see that there are other forms of operatic voices besides these two as well such as tenor, baritone, and bass like the instruments. Like every other chapter, it concludes with how to understand the art and listen to opera, and I feel fairly confident that I can do this already, however it might be more difficult for those that just don't enjoy opera.
Kristin Portsmouth
ReplyDeleteAesthetics Response 7
October 19, 2014
The book has it completely right when it says, “Opera has the reputation of something you either love or hate.” The biggest thing to overcome is the social barrier; when I first think of opera I immediately think of rich snobs dressing up and acting like they are better than everyone else because they go to the opera. This might not be the case in reality, but in TV shows and movies this is how operagoers are portrayed. Another reason I am not particularly a fan of opera is because they look down on other forms of musical theater. They have no right to say a Broadway musical is lesser in quality simply because it creates a more fun environment. These beliefs are what give opera a bad name and that’s a shame because opera is an art that should be appreciated.
I have never attended an opera, however in my high school Italian class we actually watched an opera mentioned in this chapter, Turandot. As mentioned it was difficult to understand the actual words the actors were singing, but lucky for us there were subtitles to follow along with. This opera is actually in Italian so that also was a little difficult to follow along with. As mentioned opera is highly stylized and you can see this when a 200-pound matron plays the teenage Chinese princess in Puccini’s Turandot. This is something new I learned; an opera singer doesn’t hit their full maturity till they are about thirty or later. Knowing this now, Turandot makes a little more sense. There were a lot of older actors/actresses playing characters that were supposed to be young princesses and men fighting for her love.
I knew opera singers needed a lot of training to reach the notes they do and hold them for so long, but I had no idea it took that long to reach your peak. I have much more respect for opera singers now. I have always appreciated the actors and actresses in opera, but I never liked the people who attended these operas. Operas are unique to any other musical theater and that’s what keeps it alive in the industry and keeps people coming back to again and again.
This chapter talks about Opera and I hate to say it but that topic completely has no interest to me. Just like the thought of sitting in a theater dressed up listening to people sing at the top of their lungs and not being able to understand what the words are just does not sound like something I want to do. It is definitely different when you grow up in that type of environment where you’re a little girl and you watch your mom do her make up and get dressed up to go to the opera with your dad but just like I don’t even know anyone who has gone to one.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about opera and the kind of people that attend them I think of like England and royalty and big hair and extravagant gowns and lots of jewelry almost like a parade of how much money does each person have. I have no idea why I think of that and it’s not the correct view to have of opera but that’s just like the impression and lack of knowledge I have about opera coming out.
The chapter mentioned how opera singers don’t usually reach the peak of their careers until there thirties. This amazes me just because it proves how much time, effort, practice, and skill are needed to be a well-respected opera singer. Their voice needs to be able to be as dimensional as their performance so that their tone can change to show like what is occurring in the opera whether it’s a sad moment or a happy moment. I most definitely respect opera as a form of art because even though its not something I would go to there are clearly people who love it and are passionate about it. Opera takes a lot of time because of the language difference and how it is a completely different language, which I did not know before reading this chapter. I give a lot of credit to the people who work in opera because it seems like it’s an art that requires you to devote your life to it and I would never be someone to do that. Opera is definitively not something that I will ever have a want to attend but I respect it as an art form and I respect the passion that people have for it.
Max Kraimer
ReplyDeleteArt History
Opera and Musical Theater
Todays’ reading was on opera and musical theater, and to start things off I plan to never attend an opera show. Something about someone singing for an extensive time with words you don’t quite know doesn’t sound fun to me. In the reading this week they started off by saying “the first obstacle to liking opera is the language. You may not understand a word they’re saying up there on stage”.(P.80) I’m puzzled how people can like something where you cant really understand what they are saying. Then I started to question the music I listen to. The rapper Future is one of favorites, but to someone that doesn’t often listen to Future his lyrics sounds like he is drugged to the max speaking another language.
In the section Opera by degree, I learned different aspect to opera. I leaned that Musical Comedy Is actually considered opera. The difference is that the voice parts are less demanding and can be played by a single actor. Original Opera has one deep central voice but can have other singers involved too. I thought it was interesting to have different form of Opera and see how it has changed and has gotten less popular throughout the years. I also found it cool that this was looked at a clicky group made for the upper class. The book relates opera houses to tennis clubs.
Anna Strang
ReplyDeleteThis week's readings lesson was all about the opera and the musical theater. Me personally, I have never been to the opera. I have never had the opportunity to go to an opera, but I would like to go once time in my lifetime. I only really want to go once because I do not think I will enjoy the opera. For what I have seen in movies and heard about operas from other people is that they are very long and very loud. So, the only reason I want to go once is to have that cultural experience.
Now my feelings are completely opposite for the musical theater. I absolutely love the musical theater. Growing up in New York and living so close to Broadway, I was unfortunate enough to go to many broadway musicals. To mention a couple, I have seen: Wicked, Legally Blonde, Mamma Mia, Bye Bye Birdie, Hairspray, and Cinderella. Those are only a couple that I have been too. I love the strong and power voices of the actors on stage. My favorite musical that I have seen is Wicked. The entire casts was amazing and every song gave me goosebumps. It always amazed me how spectacular and extravagant the sets.
What I learned from this chapter about the opera is that no one is born with a strong range opera voice. There is intense training that takes years to complete.The chapter also mentioned that the stereotype that you have to dress very fancy is not true. That you actually can just dress comfortably. But to me dressing comfortably means wearing sweatpants and a t-shirt. I do not believe that would appropriate to wear to the opera. Now for this chapter they consider musical theater and opera to be the same. I do not consider them the same even though they are very similar. I hope to one day to enjoy the opera and be cultured. And I know that I will go back home and go to more musical theaters.
I would have to say that this chapter on Opera and Musical Theater was the most boring chapter so far. Although I have some sort of appreciation for this form of art, I believe it to be extremely boring and old fashion. The section in the chapter that talks about Operatic Voices is interesting. I remember in middle school when I had to take a chorus class and the teacher asked what range you thought your voice was. He grouped people into altos, tenors, sopranos, and basses. I never really thought about how cool the idea of a vocal range was. It makes singing more unique than just playing an instrument because on an instrument, anyone can play any note. When your singing, someone could sing a note so high that its physically impossible for your vocal cords to copy.
ReplyDeleteA lot of peoples' excuse for not liking the opera is that they can't understand what they are saying because they are speaking a different language. I have to admit that some of the artists I listen to are speaking english and I still can't understand what they are saying. For me, the reason why I don't like opera is because of the people I would be around. It mentioned in the chapter that there is a stereotype on who goes to the opera. They are normally wealthy, snooty, and overdressed. The author said in order for us to enjoy our experience, we should dress comfortable and not care what other people think. Light opera sounds like something I could be interested in because it is often performed in English and usually appeals to more people.
I thought it was interesting that the author believes that there is no opera singer that was born with the voice he or she performs with. It takes great skill and practice to be able to project your voice like they do. This explains why most opera singers are above the age of thirty. Someone must be very dedicated to the art of opera to practice for that many years until you are at a level where you can perform, just like a doctor has to go through so many years of school.
Kirsten Hansen
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of musical theater, I honestly think of broadway musicals. I fail to recognize the fact that opera counts as musical theater as well.
I have been to a ton of big productions, including the Nutcracker, Cats, Wicked, Jersey Boys, and The Lion King (twice). My family allowed me to experience these things to give me a view of that type of culture.
I have great respect for these performances and I am aways amazed at how fantastic the productions are.
As far as theater such as opera goes, I know nothing. I am not particularly interested in opera, however I recognize the talent, time, and training that it requires. It takes years for people to train their voice for opera. With that being said, these performers are devoting their lives and committing themselves to opera in hope of become a top performer. Its amazing.
I would not necessarily want to sit through an entire opera show, but I think maybe a half hour or so of it would be awesome.
This chapter described how much work goes into musical theater and I believe that people should truly respect and appreciate that.
ReplyDeleteI really liked how this chapter began by explaining what to expect at an Opera. I know I have never been to one, and I assume that most people my age haven’t either, so the fact that this chapter states what to expect before going to one, is extremely helpful. This chapter also knows all of the stereotypes towards Opera performances and quickly dismisses them, before getting too deep into what Opera is and the history of it. I have seen bits and pieces of Opera performances on TV, in movies, online, but never in person. All of the times I have seen them, I always figured that the singer was born with the ability to sing as they do. I never knew that it required years of training in order to put on a successful performance. I have never been able to sing myself and have never taken any lessons, but from what I have heard about singing, the training seems very similar to just regular singing. Both need to use their lungs to really sing well. Of course, they are very different types of singing, but all of it comes from the lungs. They are also very different because of the fact that opera has multiple different voices that can be used, all based on different ranges of notes and quality.
This chapter reminded me a lot about how we learn in class. It explained the history of Opera, which began around 1775., while also talking about all of the most famous Opera singers over the last few centuries and what they created and performed. I really like this way of learning because it provides me with a timeline of events, when learning about something new. It still makes sure to not leave out relevance to today’s society, by talking about Broadway and how it relates to both the history of Opera and the current day Opera. I am not going to lie, I probably still won’t listen to Opera after reading this or go out and search for a show to go see, but I definitely feel more informed about it now. I always just saw it as a thing rich people would go and watch when they’re
Shannon Smith
ReplyDelete10/14/15
Opera and Musical Theatre
Opera has never been a subject of art that I have been particularly interested in. Since the first time I can recall hearing these musical stylings I have found them rather boring, opera never really peaked my interest musically. I can safely say after reading this chapter and examining the positive aspects of opera I remain uninterested in this genre of music. This is not because of the setting, snobby background, or even the singing. My disinterest lies in my generations vast difference in musical stylings than those of opera music.
However regardless of my disinterest this chapter broadened (if only a little) my opinions regarding opera music. I realize that a lot of what has to do with opera is not necessarily the snobby, eyeglass wearing people you would expect to be viewing the concert. There are many who just simply attend the opera of artists such as Renee Fleming and Bryn Terfel to enjoy the music they have come to enjoy. I found this rather reassuring that there are people ho do not use opera as an excuse to show off their wealth. I find that in movies and television shows many directors choose to use opera as a portrayal of rich and snobby people’s way of showing off their wealth.
I also found the section regarding the training of opera singers very interested. Because I know little about this musical genre I have made many assumptions about the singers of opera. I have always assumed they were born with the ability to increase the volume of their voice to such insane lengths. In this chapter I learned that this assumption was incorrect. Singers must learn to expand their breath in order to increase the volume of their voice. In turn this will allow the singer’s voice to reach each audience member. It is amazing to me how long an opera singer will have to hold their breath in order to reach the ears of their audience. This must require a vast amount of practice, and teaching to achieve this.
Although this chapter has not changed my opinion about opera music it has opened my mind up to the act and therefore increased the respect I have for this musical genre. Opera is truly a great form of art and I hope others are able to cherish the practice, work, and talent it requires to perform this type of music.
Opera is thus far the one thing that I have not come in contact with at all in my life. I have never taken time to listen, see performances, or done anything that really has to do with opera.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to learn about the culture of opera, how it is defined as a snooty, rich audience and fans. Also I found it surprising that opera fans look down on other forms of music in the world, as if they are below them. Also I was enlightened to find out that opera involves theater and dance, when I think of opera I literally just imagine a huge lady yelling on a stage while the audience is asleep. On that note I was obviously shocked to learn that in the past opera would only be allowed with ballet.
I enjoyed the knowledge of singing opera in itself. It was a shock to me that training for opera takes years and years of practice, and that an opera singer does not reach their full operatic potential until age 30 or later. Learning about the column of air that opera singers perfect over these years of training was something that I do not think I could ever do, so I gained some respect for this art form just off of that itself. The six types of opera sounds were interesting, I thought there would actually be more. The main problem that I have with calling opera art, is that it is extremely repetitive. With only six different types it seems that there is a limit to how many different pieces of opera can be made. I have to say though, I enjoyed this chapter a lot more than I thought I would.
When I think of opera, I often think of someone using their voice in a way that I am not able to understand all the words that comes out of their mouth. Although very beautiful, I find it very hard to listen to opera since I don’t full understand the words behind the singing. Growing up, I was never exposed to that genre of music, my parents mostly listen to classical rock and jazz. I also didn’t realize how opera often tells a story in the world of musical theater.
ReplyDeleteDating back, opera was created by a few men who wanted to recreate the drama of classical Greece, but in Italy. Since then, opera has become much more than that. Unlike other genres of music, opera focused on a certain clientele- those living in royal or urban societies. The “capitals” of opera include Venice, Milan, Paris, London, Vienna, and even today, New York. While many places focus on the major elements- music, drama, dance, and staging, in Western traditions, it all about the human voice. Learning how to perform opera takes lots of practice and doesn’t just happen over night, but often takes years, until the age of 30 or later. When learning how to perform opera, training learn the basics, how to breathe correctly when performing and the different types of operatic voices.
After reading this chapter and learning more about what opera is, I find it more interesting and may even consider going to see a opera in on Broadway.
Kayla Stone
ReplyDeleteBefore reading the chapter opera and musical theater, I personally thought I would find it boring and uninteresting. After reading it, I actually was wrong. There is a lot more work that going into opera that I originally thought. I think as it says in this chapter, its truly something you will love or hate and definitely has its stereotypes. Its interesting how it covers music, singing and dance along with visual design all in one performance. One would imagine people are born naturally with these voices, but in the chapter it explains how much practice goes into sounding like this. Before reading this chapter I really didn’t think opera was anything but voice, and after reading it I realized that there is so much more to it.
My favorite part about this chapter was how it talked about how opera tells stories and how dramatic and deep the story is, you can tell by the music and it can truly amaze you.
When I was younger, we took a field trip and saw performers of opera. Although I hardly remember this experience, I think if i were in this situation again I would definitely pay more attention to all the different pieces put together to make this performance enjoyable.