Howard Goodall Big Bangs 3 Opera

Howard Goodall Big Bangs 3 Opera

Opera emerged over 400 years ago in Verona, Italy.  It was very important to Italy and became popular in Florence.  The Camerata emerged in Florence to talk about the rising forms of art during the time.  They out on their first opera show in 1598.  There was a period in time that opera had almost died, however two guests at a wedding had helped to try to save it.  Montiverdi had started an all male choir.  He had hoped to create drama through music.  He believed that the songs shouldn't be "shown off' and wanted it to have the audience actually enjoy the music.  It didn't need to be over the top.  Opera music, according to the narrator gives off thoughtful ideas.  Beethoven only produced one opera in 1806.  Beethoven was interested in liberation and deliverance.  Opera also found itself in a political audience.  Opera was also a sense of identity for many people who couldn't find something that they felt apart of.  According to Wagner, it was also a sense of nationalistic pride.  Mussolini also used opera during the time of Hitler.  Musicals including 'The Phantom of Opera' and 'Chicago' have emerged from opera.  In the video, the narrator stated that opera is a "parent" of the musical; they exist side by side.  One would not operate well without the help of the other.  Also, according to the video, John Adams is our best opera composer.  Opera has become world wide.  In Shanghai China, the grand theater was built specifically for opera performances.  It seats 1800 people, and has produced many operas thus far.

Overall, opera has had a large impact on the history in the world and continues to impact it in different ways.  It is an outlet for many people and has become enjoyed worldwide.  It also has influenced different forms of entertainment like Broadway.  It has become an important aspect of society.