Romantic Period Opera Composers Flashcards

Lieder and Franz Peter Schubert

• Lieder refers to songs in German, specifically associated with Franz Peter Schubert.
• Schubert is renowned for crafting Lieder that deliver a profound dramatic effect on audiences.
• He drew inspiration from poets, notably Johann Goethe, to enhance his musical storytelling.
• Schubert is recognized as the last Classical composer and the first in the Romantic period.
• His significant vocal works include "Gretchen am Spinnrade," "Erlkönig," "Ellens Gesang III," and "Schwanengesang."
• Schubert's "Unfinished Symphony" is celebrated as Symphony No. 8 in B Minor.

Giuseppe Verdi and His Operas

• Giuseppe Verdi is a pivotal figure in Romantic opera, differentiating himself from German operas that focus on royalty.
• His operatic characters often represent ordinary individuals, reflecting a middle-class audience.
• Verdi valued strong librettos and incorporated political themes in his works.
• His first opera, "Oberto," premiered at La Scala, the era's most prestigious opera house.
• Over his career, Verdi completed 25 operas, predominantly about serious love stories with tragic endings.
• Notable works by Verdi include "La Traviata," "Rigoletto," "Falstaff," "Otello," and "Aida."
• "Aida" was specifically composed for the opening of the Suez Canal.
• Verdi's final opera was "All the world's a joke."

Giacomo Puccini

• Giacomo Puccini, born on December 22, 1858, came from a modest background.
• He received his education at the Milan Conservatory.
• Puccini focused on realism in his compositions, often using themes from everyday life instead of mythological or heroic narratives.
• His notable operas include "La Boheme," "Tosca," "Madame Butterfly," and "Turandot."

Richard Wagner and His Innovations

• Wagner attended Leipzig University and was inspired by Ludwig Van Beethoven.
• He revolutionized operatic style by introducing advanced harmonic ideas and chromaticism.
• Wagner's exploration of traditional tonal systems influenced the emergence of atonality in the 20th century.
• He significantly impacted the operatic medium, integrating music with dramatic elements.
• Wagner's "music drama" allowed the orchestra to play an equally important role as vocalists within the narrative.
• He introduced "leitmotifs," musical sequences representing specific characters or plot elements, enhancing expressiveness in his works.
• Notable operas by Wagner include "Tristan and Isolde," "Die Walkyrie," "Die Meistersinger," "Tannhäuser," and "Parsifal."

Georges Bizet

• Georges Bizet's legal name was Alexandre-Cesar-Leopold Bizet.
• He attended the Paris Conservatory of Music at an early age and gained recognition for his compositions.
• "Carmen" is Bizet's most famous opera, initially met with harsh criticism in Paris.
• Four months after Bizet's death, "Carmen" achieved immense success in Vienna, Austria.

Explore key terms and figures from the Romantic period in opera with these informative flashcards. Learn about Franz Peter Schubert and his contributions to Lieder, as well as influences like Johann Goethe. Perfect for music students and enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of this era.