OPERA COMPOSERS AND THEIR WORKS
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1. GIUSEPPE VERDI
Verdi was born in Parma, Italy on October 9, 1813. He studied in Busseto
and later went to Milan where his first opera “Oberto” was performed in La
Scala, the most important opera house at the time. Almost all of his works
are serious love stories with unhappy endings. The expressive vocal melody
is the soul of a Verdi opera. He completed 25 operas throughout his career.
His final opera ends with “All the world is a joke.” (Falstaff) Some of his
famous operas are still being produced and performed worldwide. His
much-acclaimed works are; La Traviata, Rigoletto, Falstaff, Otello, and
Aida where he wrote for the opening of the Suez Canal. He died in Milan,
Italy on January 27, 1901.
La Traviata is an opera in three acts by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. It
means “the fallen woman” or “the one who goes astray” and refers to the
main character, Violetta Valéry, a courtesan. It is a tragic tale about Parisian
courtesan, Violetta, who attempts to leave the life she knows behind to try
and finally find true love. When she meets romantic, Alfredo, the hypocrisy
of upper-class society threatens their love – and someone must pay the
ultimate price.
2. GIACOMO PUCCINI
He was born in a poor family on December 22, 1858, in Lucca, Italy. He
studied at the Milan Conservatory. He belonged to a group of composers
who stressed realism, therefore, he drew material from everyday life,
rejecting heroic themes from mythology and history. Puccini‟s famous
operas were: “La Boheme”, “Tosca”, “Madame Butterfly”, and “Turandot”.
'La Bohème' is 'The Bohemian'. This refers to someone who leads an
unconventional and artistic life, as well as disregarding the stereotypical
social norms of their society. In the context of the opera La Bohème, this
refers to the group of artists at the center of the story.
OPERA COMPOSERS AND THEIR WORKS
1. GIUSEPPE VERDI
Verdi was born in Parma, Italy on October 9, 1813. He studied in Busseto
and later went to Milan where his first opera “Oberto” was performed in La
Scala, the most important opera house at the time. Almost all of his works
are serious love stories with unhappy endings. The expressive vocal melody
is the soul of a Verdi opera. He completed 25 operas throughout his career.
His final opera ends with “All the world is a joke.” (Falstaff) Some of his
famous operas are still being produced and performed worldwide. His
much-acclaimed works are; La Traviata, Rigoletto, Falstaff, Otello, and
Aida where he wrote for the opening of the Suez Canal. He died in Milan,
Italy on January 27, 1901.
La Traviata is an opera in three acts by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. It
means “the fallen woman” or “the one who goes astray” and refers to the
main character, Violetta Valéry, a courtesan. It is a tragic tale about Parisian
courtesan, Violetta, who attempts to leave the life she knows behind to try
and finally find true love. When she meets romantic, Alfredo, the hypocrisy
of upper-class society threatens their love – and someone must pay the
ultimate price.
2. GIACOMO PUCCINI
He was born in a poor family on December 22, 1858, in Lucca, Italy. He
studied at the Milan Conservatory. He belonged to a group of composers
who stressed realism, therefore, he drew material from everyday life,
rejecting heroic themes from mythology and history. Puccini‟s famous
operas were: “La Boheme”, “Tosca”, “Madame Butterfly”, and “Turandot”.
'La Bohème' is 'The Bohemian'. This refers to someone who leads an
unconventional and artistic life, as well as disregarding the stereotypical
social norms of their society. In the context of the opera La Bohème, this
refers to the group of artists at the center of the story.
OPERA COMPOSERS AND THEIR WORKS
1. GIUSEPPE VERDI
Verdi was born in Parma, Italy on October 9, 1813. He studied in Busseto
and later went to Milan where his first opera “Oberto” was performed in La
Scala, the most important opera house at the time. Almost all of his works
are serious love stories with unhappy endings. The expressive vocal melody
is the soul of a Verdi opera. He completed 25 operas throughout his career.
His final opera ends with “All the world is a joke.” (Falstaff) Some of his
famous operas are still being produced and performed worldwide. His
much-acclaimed works are; La Traviata, Rigoletto, Falstaff, Otello, and
Aida where he wrote for the opening of the Suez Canal. He died in Milan,
Italy on January 27, 1901.
La Traviata is an opera in three acts by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi.
means “the fallen woman” or “the one who goes astray” and refers to the
main character, Violetta Valéry, a courtesan. It is a tragic tale about Parisian
courtesan, Violetta, who attempts to leave the life she knows behind to try
and finally find true love. When she meets romantic, Alfredo, the hypocrisy
of upper-class society threatens their love – and someone must pay the
ultimate price.
2. GIACOMO PUCCINI
He was born in a poor family on December 22, 1858, in Lucca, Italy. He
studied at the Milan Conservatory. He belonged to a group of composers
who stressed realism, therefore, he drew material from everyday life,
rejecting heroic themes from mythology and history. Puccini‟s famous
operas were: “La Boheme”, “Tosca”, “Madame Butterfly”, and “Turandot”.
'La Bohème' is 'The Bohemian'. This refers to someone who leads an
unconventional and artistic life, as well as disregarding the stereotypical
social norms of their society. In the context of the opera La Bohème, this
refers to the group of artists at the center of the story.
OPERA COMPOSERS AND THEIR WORKS
1. GIUSEPPE VERDI
Verdi was born in Parma, Italy on October 9, 1813. He studied in Busseto
and later went to Milan where his first opera “Oberto” was performed in La
Scala, the most important opera house at the time. Almost all of his works
are serious love stories with unhappy endings. The expressive vocal melody
is the soul of a Verdi opera. He completed 25 operas throughout his career.
His final opera ends with “All the world is a joke.” (Falstaff) Some of his
famous operas are still being produced and performed worldwide. His
much-acclaimed works are; La Traviata, Rigoletto, Falstaff, Otello, and
Aida where he wrote for the opening of the Suez Canal. He died in Milan,
Italy on January 27, 1901.
La Traviata is an opera in three acts by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. It
means “the fallen woman” or “the one who goes astray” and refers to the
main character, Violetta Valéry, a courtesan. It is a tragic tale about Parisian
courtesan, Violetta, who attempts to leave the life she knows behind to try
and finally find true love. When she meets romantic, Alfredo, the hypocrisy
of upper-class society threatens their love – and someone must pay the
ultimate price.
2. GIACOMO PUCCINI
He was born in a poor family on December 22, 1858, in Lucca, Italy. He
studied at the Milan Conservatory. He belonged to a group of composers
who stressed realism, therefore, he drew material from everyday life,
rejecting heroic themes from mythology and history. Puccini‟s famous
operas were: “La Boheme”, “Tosca”, “Madame Butterfly”, and “Turandot”.
'La Bohème' is 'The Bohemian'. This refers to someone who leads an
unconventional and artistic life, as well as disregarding the stereotypical
social norms of their society. In the context of the opera La Bohème, this
refers to the group of artists at the center of the story.
3. RICHARD WAGNER
Wilhelm Richard Wagner was born in Leipzig, Germany on May 22, 1813. He
was very much inspired by Ludwig Van Beethoven. Wagner introduced new
ideas in harmony and form. He was an advocate of a new form of opera which
he called “music drama” where musical and dramatic elements were fused. He
developed a compositional style in which the orchestra is of equal importance in
dramatic roles as the singers themselves. His famous works are; “Tristan and
Isolde”, “Die Walkyrie”, “Die Meistersinger”, “Tannhäuser”, and “Parsifal”. His
work would later influence modern film scores, including those of Harry Potter
and Lord of the Rings film series. Wagner died of a heart attack on February 13,
1883, at the age of 69.
Tristan and Isolde, Lovers in a medieval romance based on Celtic legend. The
hero Tristan goes to Ireland to ask the hand of the princess Isolde for his uncle,
King Mark of Cornwall. On their return, the two mistakenly drink a love potion
and fall deeply in love. King Mark and Iseult marry despite this but the fated
lovers cannot be kept apart. Though it is suggested that their love is “pure,” the
two often meet in secret. King Mark eventually finds out and banishes Tristan
from Cornwall.
4. GEORGES BIZET'S original name was Alexandre-César-Léopold Bizet,
but was baptized Georges Bizet and was always
known by the latter name. He was born on October 25, 1838 in Paris, France.
His realistic approach influenced the
verismo school of opera at the end of the 19th century. His most famous opera
is “Carmen”. However, when “Carmen”
first opened in Paris, the reviews were terrible. The shows were criticized in
horrible ways that resulted in poor
audience attendance. During the first round of “Carmen” performances, Bizet
died (June 3, 1875). He was only 36.
Four months later, “Carmen” opened in Vienna, Austria, and was a smash hit.
Carmen is a dramatic tale of love, jealousy, and tragedy. It tells the story of a and Lord of the Rings film series. Wagner died of a heart attack on February 13,
hopeless soldier, Don José, who is seduced by Carmen, a fiery gypsy woman 1883, at the age of 69.
with an appetite for smuggling. Don Jose', was jealous of another man in the
Tristan and Isolde, Lovers in a medieval romance based on Celtic legend. The
person of Escamillo who was a bullfighter. With Don Jose's jealousy, he stabbed
hero Tristan goes to Ireland to ask the hand of the princess Isolde for his uncle,
Carmen to death.
King Mark of Cornwall. On their return, the two mistakenly drink a love potion
and fall deeply in love. King Mark and Iseult marry despite this but the fated
3. RICHARD WAGNER
lovers cannot be kept apart. Though it is suggested that their love is “pure,” the
Wilhelm Richard Wagner was born in Leipzig, Germany on May 22, 1813. He
two often meet in secret. King Mark eventually finds out and banishes Tristan
was very much inspired by Ludwig Van Beethoven. Wagner introduced new
from Cornwall.
ideas in harmony and form. He was an advocate of a new form of opera which
he called “music drama” where musical and dramatic elements were fused. He 4. GEORGES BIZET'S original name was Alexandre-César-Léopold Bizet,
developed a compositional style in which the orchestra is of equal importance in but was baptized Georges Bizet and was always
dramatic roles as the singers themselves. His famous works are; “Tristan and known by the latter name. He was born on October 25, 1838 in Paris, France.
Isolde”, “Die Walkyrie”, “Die Meistersinger”, “Tannhäuser”, and “Parsifal”. His His realistic approach influenced the
work would later influence modern film scores, including those of Harry Potter verismo school of opera at the end of the 19th century. His most famous opera
and Lord of the Rings film series. Wagner died of a heart attack on February 13, is “Carmen”. However, when “Carmen”
1883, at the age of 69. first opened in Paris, the reviews were terrible. The shows were criticized in
horrible ways that resulted in poor
Tristan and Isolde, Lovers in a medieval romance based on Celtic legend. The
audience attendance. During the first round of “Carmen” performances, Bizet
hero Tristan goes to Ireland to ask the hand of the princess Isolde for his uncle,
died (June 3, 1875). He was only 36.
King Mark of Cornwall. On their return, the two mistakenly drink a love potion
Four months later, “Carmen” opened in Vienna, Austria, and was a smash hit.
and fall deeply in love. King Mark and Iseult marry despite this but the fated
lovers cannot be kept apart. Though it is suggested that their love is “pure,” the Carmen is a dramatic tale of love, jealousy, and tragedy. It tells the story of a
two often meet in secret. King Mark eventually finds out and banishes Tristan hopeless soldier, Don José, who is seduced by Carmen, a fiery gypsy woman
from Cornwall. with an appetite for smuggling. Don Jose', was jealous of another man in the
person of Escamillo who was a bullfighter. With Don Jose's jealousy, he stabbed
4. GEORGES BIZET'S original name was Alexandre-César-Léopold Bizet,
Carmen to death.
but was baptized Georges Bizet and was always
known by the latter name. He was born on October 25, 1838 in Paris, France.
His realistic approach influenced the
verismo school of opera at the end of the 19th century. His most famous opera
is “Carmen”. However, when “Carmen”
first opened in Paris, the reviews were terrible. The shows were criticized in
horrible ways that resulted in poor
audience attendance. During the first round of “Carmen” performances, Bizet
died (June 3, 1875). He was only 36.
Four months later, “Carmen” opened in Vienna, Austria, and was a smash hit.
Carmen is a dramatic tale of love, jealousy, and tragedy. It tells the story of a
hopeless soldier, Don José, who is seduced by Carmen, a fiery gypsy woman
with an appetite for smuggling. Don Jose', was jealous of another man in the
person of Escamillo who was a bullfighter. With Don Jose's jealousy, he stabbed
Carmen to death.
3. RICHARD WAGNER
Wilhelm Richard Wagner was born in Leipzig, Germany on May 22, 1813. He
was very much inspired by Ludwig Van Beethoven. Wagner introduced new
ideas in harmony and form. He was an advocate of a new form of opera which
he called “music drama” where musical and dramatic elements were fused. He
developed a compositional style in which the orchestra is of equal importance in
dramatic roles as the singers themselves. His famous works are; “Tristan and
Isolde”, “Die Walkyrie”, “Die Meistersinger”, “Tannhäuser”, and “Parsifal”. His
work would later influence modern film scores, including those of Harry Potter
and Lord of the Rings film series. Wagner died of a heart attack on February 13,
1883, at the age of 69.
Tristan and Isolde, Lovers in a medieval romance based on Celtic legend. The
hero Tristan goes to Ireland to ask the hand of the princess Isolde for his uncle,
King Mark of Cornwall. On their return, the two mistakenly drink a love potion
and fall deeply in love. King Mark and Iseult marry despite this but the fated
lovers cannot be kept apart. Though it is suggested that their love is “pure,” the
two often meet in secret. King Mark eventually finds out and banishes Tristan
from Cornwall.
4. GEORGES BIZET'S original name was Alexandre-César-Léopold Bizet,
but was baptized Georges Bizet and was always
known by the latter name. He was born on October 25, 1838 in Paris, France.
His realistic approach influenced the
verismo school of opera at the end of the 19th century. His most famous opera
is “Carmen”. However, when “Carmen”
first opened in Paris, the reviews were terrible. The shows were criticized in
horrible ways that resulted in poor
audience attendance. During the first round of “Carmen” performances, Bizet
died (June 3, 1875). He was only 36.
Four months later, “Carmen” opened in Vienna, Austria, and was a smash hit.
Carmen is a dramatic tale of love, jealousy, and tragedy. It tells the story of a
hopeless soldier, Don José, who is seduced by Carmen, a fiery gypsy woman
with an appetite for smuggling. Don Jose', was jealous of another man in the
person of Escamillo who was a bullfighter. With Don Jose's jealousy, he stabbed
Carmen to death.

3. RICHARD WAGNER
Wilhelm Richard Wagner was born in Leipzig, Germany on May 22, 1813. He
was very much inspired by Ludwig Van Beethoven. Wagner introduced new
ideas in harmony and form. He was an advocate of a new form of opera which
he called “music drama” where musical and dramatic elements were fused. He
developed a compositional style in which the orchestra is of equal importance in
dramatic roles as the singers themselves. His famous works are; “Tristan and
Isolde”, “Die Walkyrie”, “Die Meistersinger”, “Tannhäuser”, and “Parsifal”. His
work would later influence modern film scores, including those of Harry Potter