PARTS OF THE OPERA
OVERTURE
It is the first part of an opera. It's like an instrumental introduction. It is performed before the action starts, with the curtain down.
It is the first part of an opera. It's like an instrumental introduction. It is performed before the action starts, with the curtain down.
- Verdi - La Traviata (overture)
SUNG PARTS
Sung parts in an opera are the recitatives and the arias:RECITATIVE
The word 'recitative' comes from 'recite' or 'recitate' (recitar). The recitatives are sung quickly. In fact, it's half spoken half sung. The characters dialogue.
- Monteverdi - Duo de la mensajera (L'Orfeo)
- Mozart - La ci darem la mano (Don Giovanni)
- Mozart - The marriage of Figaro
- Donizetti - Tombi degli avi miei (Lucia di Lamermoor)
ARIAS
Arias are the most important parts in an opera. Singers show their abilities
- Leocavallo - Vesti la giubba (Il Pagliacci)
- Puccini - O mio babbino caro (Gianni Schicchi)
- Donizetti - Una furtiva lagrima (L'elisir d'amore)
- Purcell - Dido's lament
CHORUS
The choir sings.
INSTRUMENTAL PARTS
INTERLUDES and INTERMEZZOS
