OPERA SERIA Meaning and
Definition
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Opera seria is a genre of opera that emerged in the 18th century in Italy and became popular throughout Europe. The term "opera seria" is Italian, translating to "serious opera." It is characterized by its serious and dignified tone, focusing on heroic or mythological themes. The music and libretto, or text, of opera seria work together to explore moral and philosophical ideas, often with a dramatic or tragic conclusion.
The structure of opera seria typically consists of alternating recitative and aria sections. Recitative is used to advance the plot and convey dialogue, while arias allow soloists to express emotions and exhibit their vocal prowess. The vocal lines are highly ornamented, showcasing the virtuosic abilities of the singers. The orchestra plays an essential role in opera seria, accompanying the soloists and providing additional musical commentary.
Opera seria is known for its formulaic plots, featuring characters from classical mythology or history. The narratives often involve themes of love, honor, duty, and the conflict between personal desires and social expectations. The aristocracy favored opera seria, and composers such as Handel and Mozart composed many significant works in this genre.
By the end of the 18th century, opera seria started to decline in popularity, giving way to the rise of opera buffa, which featured more light-hearted and comedic storylines. Nonetheless, opera seria played a vital role in the development of opera as an art form and remains an essential part of its historical legacy.
Etymology of OPERA SERIA
The term "opera seria" originated in the mid-18th century from Italian. The word "opera" comes from the Latin word "opera" meaning "work" or "achievement". In the context of music, "opera" refers to a dramatic work combining music, singing, and acting. The word "seria" is derived from the Latin word "serius", meaning "serious" or "grave". Therefore, "opera seria" translates to "serious opera" or "grave opera".
During the Baroque period, opera seria emerged as a dominant form of opera in Italy. It was characterized by its serious and tragic themes, typically based on historical or mythological subjects. Opera seria focused on showcasing virtuoso singing skills, elaborate arias, and intricate vocal techniques. The form reached its peak popularity in the 18th century before being gradually replaced by new operatic styles.
