History of Performing Arts - Assignment Example

  History of Performing Arts History of Performing Arts In APA Style   History of Performing Arts 2 Art has evolved through time. Societal changes from the pre-historic ages to the 21st century have influenced the development of art. In this paper, two of the so many societal changes that influenced the development of art will be discussed and how these changes gave an impact to the changes in art. Influences on the Development of Performing Arts: A History Art has not always been how we see it today.

The recognition of something to be an art today may have been perceived differently before and the ones we call artists may have been remarked as not before. Subjects like medieval manuscript illuminations, cultural dances, chanting and so on were made in an era when people didn’t have the concept of art according to the modern day definition of it. These subjects may have been appreciated and often admired in the past, but not as art in the current sense. (Thuillier, 2003, p 29) Although art lacks in concrete definition, developments have emerged as time went on.

In the 14th and 16th centuries or the Renaissance period, changes in art have come into view. This period began in Italy and spread across Europe. Plays and dances were performed and seen as one of the famous forms of entertainment in that era. The use of ballo or now called ballet was used by Domenico de Piacenza. In the mid of 16th century, elaborated costumes for dance performances and theatre music were introduced in England. The first Opera, Daphne, was performed in the latter part of 16th century.

It went on throughout the 17th century and eventually became an entertainment choice of the aristocrats, as well as the people who live in cities across Europe. (Thuillier, 2003, p 53-55)   History of Performing Arts 3 As time went on, more changes have occurred in the development of the performing arts. The traditional theatre was established thru the introduction of the ‘Proscenium Arch’ in the 17th century. However, acting was brought to an end until the mid of the century. Soon thereafter, women appeared in plays in England and in France and eventually, the latter established the formal dance instruction in the latter part of the century.

The introduction of ‘Opera Buffa’ in the 18th century brought opera to the masses. This has broken the mark that opera and aristocracy come hand in hand. In the late 18th century, The Marriage of Figaro and Don Giovanni by Mozart became famous operas that marked the era of the century. (Zerffi, 2007, p 101) After the fame of Mozart’s operas, a new era was establish in the 19th century. The Romantic Movement established the grand opera and led the great musical dramas of Giuseppe Verdi and the operas of Richard Wagner that eventually led to the music of the 20th century.

(Zerffi, 2007, p 103) Conclusion Different concepts of art have emerged through time. As the minds of people change, concepts and perceptions are altered. It is clearly stated that our perception of art today was different from how it was perceived before. Evolution of art has made its mark in the history and will still continue as time goes on. References Thuillier, J. (2003). History of art. Paris: Flammarion. Zerffi, G. G. (2007). A manual of the historical development of art: Pre-historic, ancient, classic, early christian, with special reference to architecture, sculpture, painting and ornamentation.

Whitefish (Mont.: Kessinger.