Opera as Literature

Defining the Operatic Aria:

What is opera?Opera is

A poetic drama

Set to music

Chanted or sung by the human voice and

Accompanied by orchestra

In a theatric context—with

costumes and makeup,

scenery and lighting,

and all that other stuff like special effects

The Aria isA lyric Poem

Chanted and Sung by the Human Voice

Accompanied by Orchestra

In a Dramatic Context with

Costumes and Makeup

Scenery and Light

and Special Effects

A Reminder: the Approach of this Course to Studying Opera is

To Read and Analyze the Poetic Text;

To Listen to the Musical Setting of the Poetic Text,

with the Text or Score in Hand;

View a Dramatic Performance, either

On Stage, Live,

As Visual Recording of a Stage Performance, or

In a Cinematic Treatment

The Poetic Elements

The Speaker or Persona

The Tone of the Poem

The Meaning or Theme of the Poem

The Outstanding Images of the Poem

Other Elements for you Students of Literature—if you must!

Poetic Form

Rhyme Scheme

Rhythm

Alliteration, etc.

I’m called Mimi,But my name is Lucia.My story is a short one,In my poor roomI embroider silk and satin.I’m content and happy,I love to fashion the rose and lilyThe flowers give me pleasureAs in magical accentsThey speak to me of love,

of lovely springtime . . .Of dreams and of visions bright they whisperOf such things as poets know . . .Do you understand me?