What is an Opera seria?
In contrast to the light and cheerful Opera buffa, Opera seria was the grand courtly opera genre that served as a "serious opera" with significant artistic and representative functions. However, the Opera seria did not always have to be entirely serious, even though characters of "lower status" were not permitted on stage. Typically, an Opera seria begins with a three-part instrumental piece—the overture. The plot then unfolds in alternating recitatives and da capo arias, usually across three acts. At dramatic high points, there are sometimes duets or trios.
What is a Recitative?
A recitative is a form of sung speech used to advance the plot of an opera in a dialogic manner. There are two main types of recitative: Secco and Accompagnato.
In Secco recitative ("dry recitative"), the vocal line is accompanied only by a keyboard instrument (usually a harpsichord) and a bass instrument (such as a cello or viola da gamba). Dramatically significant passages are often composed as Accompagnato recitative, meaning the orchestra accompanies them.
What is a Da-capo Aria?
The Da-capo aria was the predominant aria form in Opera seria. It consists of three sections: an initial A section, followed by a contrasting B section, and then a repetition of the A section. During the repeat of the A section, the singer has the opportunity to embellish the vocal line virtuously. The singer can showcase their vocal mastery at the aria's end through an elaborate cadenza. In the Da-capo aria, the action pauses, and the singing character expresses their emotional state. The repetition of the A section (the Da-capo) serves to elevate the emotion to a heightened state of affect.
What are Baroque Opere serie about?
Opere serie often draw on historical or mythological themes. However, there is always a connection to the present. In courtly opera, heroes from history or mythology are frequently associated with the reigning monarch. The plot of an Opera seria can be complex, as multiple storylines are often developed simultaneously. However, it was assumed that the 18th-century audience would be familiar with the opera's historical or mythological background.
What are the characteristics of Baroque singing?
Singers who specialize in Baroque music must possess an exceptionally virtuosic singing technique. Good breath control is essential to perform wide melodic arcs without pressure and vibrato. Additionally, the vocal lines often require daring coloraturas, meaning rapid runs and elaborate embellishments, which should sound as effortless as possible despite their difficulty. Lastly, the singing must convey deep emotional states effectively.
How is a Baroque orchestra structured?
A Baroque orchestra is significantly smaller than later symphony orchestras. The string section typically includes first and second violins, violas, cellos (or gambas), and double basses, but each in a smaller number. The woodwind section always features oboes and often includes flutes (either recorders or transverse flutes) and bassoons. Depending on the piece, trumpets, horns, and timpani may also be included.
Additionally, a Baroque orchestra has what is known as the "continuo group," which consists of a chordal instrument (harpsichord, organ, lute, theorbo) and a bass instrument (cello, gamba, bassoon).
The Baroque instrumentarium is generally very diverse—consider, for example, the sackbut as a precursor to the trombone or the many different types of plucked string instruments. Historically informed ensembles often use original historical instruments.
