Vocal Music of the Romantic Period

Vocal Music of the Romantic Period

• Emotional subjectivity is the basic quality of the Romantic period.
• Composers explore feelings of grandiosity, intimacy, unpredictability, sadness, rapture, and longing.

Aspects of Vocal Music

• Tone color/Timbre: Refers to the qualifying difference of a sound/voice.
• Bel Canto Technique: An Italian term meaning “beautiful singing,” done by singing with a wide open mouth and throat, using proper breath control to support the voice.
• Language: Usually Italian, French, German, and Russian languages are used in Romantic music.

Importance of Stage Presence

• Testing a performer's ability to project their voice on stage can be done by reciting lines in a crowded place without a microphone.
• An opera singer's inability to portray their role well can make the audience feel disconnected from the performance.
• Lack of stage presence can make it difficult for the performer to connect with the audience.
• Stage presence involves engaging and connecting with the audience, creating intimacy and rapport.
• The audience plays a crucial role in evaluating a music performance, providing valuable feedback and enhancing the overall experience.

Famous Opera: La Traviata

• Music by Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901).
• Libretto in Italian by Francesco Maria Piave, based on “La Dame aux Camélias” by Alexandre Dumas.
• Premiere: Venice, March 6, 1853.
• Categorized as a Romantic tragedy, set in Paris, France during 1850.

Synopsis of La Traviata

• Act I: Violetta Valéry, a courtesan, is introduced to Alfredo Germont at a party.
• Act II Scene II: Alfredo learns Violetta has been selling her possessions to pay their expenses, so he leaves for Paris to make financial arrangements.
• Act III: Alfredo's father visits Violetta to prevent scandal from tarnishing his family's reputation.

Components of an Opera

• Libretto: The text of an opera, created by a librettist working closely with the composer to tell the story.
• Score: The book containing the musical directions and notation, created by the composer and librettist.
• Recitative: Declamatory singing used in prose parts and dialogue of opera, serving as a prelude to the aria.
• Aria: An air or solo singing part sung by a principal character, expressing emotion and showcasing a singer's skill.

Vocal Terms

• Falsetto: A weaker and more airy voice, usually in the higher pitch ranges.
• Passagio: Parts of a singing voice where register transitions occur.
• Tessitura: The most comfortable singing range of a singer.
• Vibrato: Rapidly repeated slight pitch variation during a sustained note.