Opera Australia

Richard Wagner, a Romantic German composer, is one of the leading opera composers of his time; he often defined his stage works using the term bühnenfestspiel, or festival stage play. He is known for writing several such works, including Lohengrin, Der Ring des Nibelungen, and Tristan und Isolde. In these works Wagner is credited with the use of many compositional devices and philosophies. In particular, he is recognized for employing the idea of a “gesamtkunstwerk,” or collective art, in…

The score guides the audience through times of adversity that the protagonist faces in each trial, further deepening the audience’s emotional understanding of the challenges facing the protagonists to show the amount of strength to overcome such struggle. During the moments where the protagonists face sets of trials, the score becomes an extension of the script, guiding the audience to empathize with the protagonists’ feelings of nervousness and determination. In an interview with critic Bill…

"Casta Diva" is the main soprano aria from Vincenzo Bellini's opera Norma. It takes place in Act 1, shortly after the title's character first entrance. The part is considered one of the most challenging roles in the opera for a variety of reasons but particularly the music. This piece requires perfect vocalism, a wide range voice, skill at sculpting long curving phrases, and steady technical control. Many sopranos have recorded this aria, including Maria Calla and Anna Netrebko. It is a prayer…

Ludwig Van Beethoven is one of the most recognizable names the music world has ever had. For centuries, Beethoven’s music has stood the test of time; often being looked to as a default for instrumental pieces of its time. A composer in both the classical and romantic eras, his period during this growth period of music shows how he was constantly evolving with the musical landscape that he was thrust into. Beethoven’s influence can still be felt today. No other piece represents the genius of…

Although Dmitri Shostakovich’s song cycle From Jewish Folk Poetry does not have the international acclaim as some of his bigger orchestral works, it still remains one of his most powerful pieces that acted as a vehicle for his artistic and moral resistance against the rise of anti-Semitism in Soviet Russia during the end of Stalin’s life. From Jewish Folk Poetry was first composed in 1948 for soprano, mezzo-soprano, tenor, and piano, and then later orchestrated in 1963. In 1948, not only was…

Koko Taylor also known as “Queen of the Blues”. Koko Taylor is an extraordinary singer with a powerful voice and not afraid to sing what she wants. Known for her iconic 1965 hit ‘Wang Dang Doodle’, a line that really caught my attention was “We're gonna pitch a wang dang doodle all night long”, she’s expressing a very strong sexual feeling, which in my defense is a good way of expressing the song lyrics and vocals better. Even though Willie Dixon was the songwriter, and he was the one who meant…

Gillian Welch and Taylor Swift are both singer songwriters in their own right and both have had/are having very successful careers. Although when listening to their music they appear to have two very different vocal styles some striking comparisons can be drawn and will be discussed in this paper. These two artists can be seen to have the similar influences of country and blues in their music and so although they are two very different artist it is because of their similarities that they make an…

1. The first piece of music I listened to for this assignment was Lohengrin, prelude to Act III composed by Wagner. The song was written for a scene for a wedding between a hero and heroine. The instruments in this song include a full orchestra and it is an orchestral piece. In my opinion, the song had a variety of feelings and sounds. For example, there is one part where it is mainly or entirely woodwinds. During this section, the music sounds very peaceful and light. After a while this…

For most of my life, I have loved the performing arts, particularly theater. One of the first musicals I ever admired was The Phantom of the Opera, which a friend introduced me to in the 7th grade. As soon as I watched it, I knew that I needed to experience it live on stage. Fortunately, after lots of begging and pleading, I convinced my mother to take me to New York to see it on Broadway during the summer of 2014. Starring in the production at that time were two of my theater idols: Norm Lewis…

To become rich and famous I would take a path slightly different than some people, and make it branch off into several others, leaving me with several options. Singing is the path I would take because I have practiced it thoroughly along , with others, and even with instruments. Behind the curtains I would be using special tactics and marketing skills to help me make my way to the top. The secret of getting ahead is getting started - Mark Twain. Youtube has been an amazing input for talent,…