The Beginnings of Opera: Florence, Venice, Naples
What is opera? What is its magnetic appeal? Jacquelyne Silver will open the doors on how to look, listen, and appreciate the passionate and awe-inspiring world of musical drama: the glorious world of opera! Both seasoned opera lovers and beginning listeners will appreciate this insightful and inspiring series. It was in Florence during the Renaissance that a group called the Florentine Camerata proposed the idea of merging drama with music and called it opera. The magical worlds of poisoned rings, mysterious handsome strangers, and mad scenes captivated the audiences of Italy and beyond, and have continued to do so throughout the centuries! Jacquelyne Silver will define the types of voices used in opera, with superb musical examples from her personal collection. We will view footage of performances of early opera works, such as Claudio Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo, Handel’s Julius Caesar, and Purcell’s sumptuous Dido and Aeneas. An exciting entrance into the enthralling world of opera!