The Romantic period was also known as the “golden age of operas."
Italian Opera - The song is the focus (vocal part)
German Opera - shifts focus from the voice to the orchestra.
Italian composers have developed a form of singing called bel canto, which literally means “beautiful singing” in Italy.
Overture – this is an instrumental introduction to an opera.
Recitative – this is the text declaimed in the rhythm of natural speech with a slight melodic variation and little orchestral accompaniment.
Aria – this is a solo song with an instrumental accompaniment.
Libretto – this is the text or story of the opera.
Librettist – this person is the writer of the libretto.
Bel canto – this is an Italian phrase that means beautiful singing.
Leitmotif – this is the leading motive or basic recurring theme.
Opera seria – this is a serious opera
Opera buffa – this is a comic opera.
Opera - is the product of the inspiration of the composers, which continually inspires people by having them experience a combination of vocal and orchestral music, drama, visual arts, and dance.