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Opera is one of the mother genres in global music and it is distinctive essence can be quickly recognized by anyone who hears it. Every year on 8th February Opera Day is celebrated as a tribute to the genre that offers a blend of creativity and complexities. Opera is more like a piece of musical drama that combines words, phrases music, acting, and symbolism.
The term ‘Opera’ is Italian which means work. The text in which it is written is called ‘libretto’ which means small book. Although every Opera would sound the same to a novice, there are different types based on the mood of the song. The further classification includes,
- Opera Seria – It is more noble and serious sounding with a lot of ambiance
- Opera Buffa – This is a light-hearted comedic opera with a sense of satire
- Operetta – It defines light opera that consists of fewer complexities
- Semi-opera – This opera is more like theater that includes masque-like sections and spoken dialogues
The History of Opera Day
Opera originated from classical music tradition in the West which first started in Italy and then spread all over the world. It was first popularized in European countries like France, and Germany, and then reached to Russia and England. Its play-like texture was first initiated to portray the stories from Ancient Greek drama. The first season of popularity for opera started back in Venice in 1637 and then, it was quickly considered as a creative form of entertainment. Since its inception, opera has diverged and evolved much while inspiring other artistic movements in the contemporary time.
Influential Opera Composers
Whether it is Mozart’s comic operas such as ‘The Marriage of Figaro,’ the patriotic operas of Verdi, or Wagner’s “Endless Melody,” the industry has witnessed some of the most talented composers in every of music, especially the classics. The composers started doing more experiments than the traditional structure by the time of the 19th century. During the 17th century, women were not allowed to sing on stage so, most composers and singers of that time were males, or castrati who would sing various classical formats such as soprano, mezzo, alto parts, etc. Let’s find out more about some of the best Opera singers and composers of all time.
Top 5 Opera Music Artists of All Time
- Luciano Pavarotti
Luciano Pavarotti will always remain a legend when it comes to opera singing. His voice would resonate with the whole theater and auditorium, stunning the audience with a captivating sonic experience. The recognizable beautiful tone with unparalleled vocal prowess offered listeners some of the best creations like ‘Nessun Dorma’.
- Renée Fleming
Fleming had a flaming presence in her opera singing and this American soprano was highly respected for her unrivaled voice and unwavering aura. She has a strong knack for jazz and Broadway and her versatility in music is reflected through her creations.
- Jessye Norman
Norman is one of those persons who could create an opera genre of her own, known as ‘Falcon soprano’. Her dramatic vocal range interpretations of Strauss songs helped her gather much attention from the world. She has performed in almost all the world’s most famous opera houses and won the Kennedy Center Honor at the age of 52, the youngest ever person to do that.
- Dmitri Hvorostovsky
Hvorostovsky’s voice had a resonant tone which sounded amazing in the high notes. His amazing control over breathing and vocal range made it sound almost like a musical roar. He used to perform in the virtuosic bel canto and Verdi roles and became one of the best Russian baritone singers ever. Unfortunately, the talented man died in 2017 at the age of 55 years only.
- Maria Callas
Greek soprano Maria Callas was born in America but the attributes of a Greek Goddess were present in her. Nicknamed ‘La Divina’, Callas became the diva of opera singing who was widely celebrated all over the world. Her magnetic stage presence could hypnotize the audience.
Opera Day is celebrated with a reminder of how much the music industry has evolved since then and it is the origin of a music revolution.
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