Bel canto opera: the Human condition, structure and expression - Essay Example

?Introduction The concept of Bel Canto, also known as beautiful singing, is one which is reflective of various attributes needed for an operatic piece. The use of Bel Canto from one perspective was based on the beauty of the voice and a prodigy type style which was able to magnify the opera singer talent and the approach taken toward the music. However, more importantly than this, was a sense of expression and a relationship to the human condition which was created with the singing. When looking at this style of art from different composers, it can easily be seen that the human traits are heard in the structure and other characteristics of the pieces performed. Handel’s “Theodora” The operatic work of “Theodora” by Handel was one of the later operas which he composed, after his height to fame was well known. The opera is in a seria form, with the final aria showing the Bel Canto for the entire opera. This was at the beginning of the Bel Canto era, and works as a predecessor to the idea of beautiful singing. The concept of “Theodora” comes from the Messiah and is based on the religious experience in which one is able to experience a sense of intimacy with God. The love which is following Theodora throughout the opera turns into the main character moving into the decision to follow love for God, as opposed to the humanly love which is often expressed. This particular concept that is heard through the Bel Canto is heard in opposition to the army and the war which is being fought and which leads to the main contradiction of the leader, specifically which is based on overtaking the land and creating a sense of rule over others. The conflict and drama is then based on the movement into Theodora’s imprisonment and the belief in God that leads to his freedom as well as the drama of his love which can never be expressed. In the end this leads to his death, in which the Bel Canto is heard. However, the human trait of love, blessings and the divine which he experiences during his death are the main focuses (Lang, 494). The human trait of faith that is heard through the Bel Canto is first heard through the structural aspects of the end aspect. The overall structure starts with a, which is repeated and in a major key. This part has the main singer which is supported by the major harmonies of the orchestra. The strings follow the melody and break with a sub-melody to end the phrases. This a structure is repeated one time then moves into the b section. The b section is initially heard in the relative minor key. This is followed by a repeat in the major key, similar to the beginning structure of harmony and melody. The structure then goes into the c theme, which leads into the relative minor key and a duet between the two lovers. This melody repeats until the end coda, moving back to the minor and major key throughout the piece. During the c theme, the duet breaks into higher tones and movements. The rhythm also changes during this climax. Before, it remains consistent and in 4/4. While it remains at 4/4 during this break, there are several retards and slower movements in the orchestra to emphasize this part. The main text is associated with the words “may our hearts transpire” showing the love between the two. The first part is related to the “triumph of the blessed” which is reflective in the rhythm, harmony and melody displayed. The overall concept which is displayed in Handel’s piece is one which is able to show the characteristics to the audience and in relation to the emotions displayed. The first part, which is based on the blessings that become triumphant, allows one to feel joy, specifically because of the major harmonies, melodic lines and the softer sound given. The transfer to the minor key in the middle, harmony from the duet and the change into higher tones continues to reflect this blessing; however, the love that is expressed as the two characters are at the end of their lives creates a sense of emotion and appeal where love is not triumphant; however, it is believed to be by the two in the story. The audience appeal is based on the beauty of the voice as well as the emotions which are expressed through the ideas of love, triumph and overcoming the complexities displayed through war and politics. Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” One of the most popular expressions of the Bel Canto is in “The Barber of Seville” by Rossini, a comedic opera which led to the height of beautiful singing. A specific part which expresses this is from “Figaro’s Aria.” The main expression is based on the happiness of Figaro because of his ability to work as a barber and to provide the best quality of styles to those in the community. He begins by praising the day with “ah what a merry life, what treasures there are.” However, this quickly turns into praise for himself through the repetition of words “Bravo Figaro, Bravisimo,” and the continuous repetition of his name, “Figaro” at the height of the opera. These two human traits of happiness as well as the condition of Figaro are then able to reflect the beautiful singing with the attributes of being in a state of joy. The structure which is used in Rossini’s aria shows the development of happiness of Figaro. The comedic aspect is noted through this first by displaying the repetition used through the piece. The harmony of the piece only provides the rhythm of 4/4 with very little movement outside of the major chords. The melodic structure also doesn’t move outside of the change in themes from a to b with the singing. However, in the melodic structure, there is a break of words for “la la la” to emphasize the happiness of the day. The only change in the melodic line occurs when the aria moves to the repetition of the name of “Figaro.” At this point, the singing goes to a higher pitch, holds the notes for a longer period of time and repeats the word “Figaro” at a quick pace. This emphasizes the success of the barber and his happiness of the day. By using a simple structure, few words, repetition and fast movement of the melody line, the idea of happiness is able to easily be emphasized (Simic, 17). The overall emphasis placed on the movement of notes in the melody, as opposed to words, harmony or rhythm creates a sense of art and entertainment to the audience. The “Figaro Aria” is one which is well – known because of the difficulty of moving through the several notes and ornamentation of this particular part. The quick pace of the melody line, repetition and the techniques needed are furthered with the prodigy style in the held notes which go to higher notes and the libretto for the male voice. The entertainment that is associated with this comes from both the difficulty of the voice as well as the association with the words and the way in which this describes the character of Figaro for the humor of the opera. Through the Bel Canto, there is the ability to use both difficulty and elements of the melody to create a specific response of emotion from the listeners (Chulion, 58). Works Cited Chulion, J. “Bryn Terfel: Opera Arias.” The Opera Quarterly. 15 (4), 1997. Lang, Paul. George Fredric Handel. Norton and Company: London, 1994. Simic, C. “The Singing Simics.” Harvard Review 371 (2), 2003. Read More