The aria 'Nessun dorma' from Giacomo Puccini's opera Turandot gained even greater fame when performed by The Three Tenors during the 1990 World Cup.
Compositional Technique
In the Baroque period, operas often featured 'opera seria' with a specific type of aria called a 'da capo aria,' which repeats its opening section after a contrasting interlude.
Compositional Technique
The 'bel canto' style, which emerged in the early 19th century, emphasized singers' virtuosity through long-held phrases and brilliantly sparkling fast passages.
Historical Context
The Italian language, with its open vowels and easy consonants, is considered wonderfully straightforward for singing, influencing how other national schools of opera defined themselves.
Historical Context
In 1762, Christoph Willibald Gluck, a composer, attempted to reform opera back to purer principles with his work Orfeo ed Eurydice, paving the way for more experimental compositions.
Historical Context
Opera, as an art form, has a surprisingly short history, having been invented in Italy around 1600 by academics trying to recreate ancient Greek chanted speech.
Compositional Technique
The operatic tenor as a leading character only truly began in the 19th century, especially after singer Gilbert Duprez pioneered the 'top C' in chest voice in 1831.
You might also enjoy...
Opera Heroes - Alfredo Kraus
Great Opera Duets
Premier Concours International de Voix D'Opéra Plácido Domingo; Paris 1993 / Concert of the Prizewinners
