Music: An Appreciation, Brief 7th Edition (Kamien)

Chapter 5: The Elements Of Opera

From Film to Opera: Musical Decisions

You are an opera composer. Choose a scene from a film you think would translate well into the operatic medium. Write your libretto, which should be a paraphrase of an important dialogue and accompanying dramatic event from the scene. Next, describe your answer to the following musical decisions:

1. What part of the dialogue should be in recitative style, and what part should be in aria style? Carefully review the descriptions of aria and recitative in Chapter 5 of your text.
   
   
2. How will you express the different personalities of the characters through music? Consider musical elements such as instrumentation, volume, rhythm, speed, and melodic contour.
   
   
3. How will you express the dramatic event musically? Again, consider musical elements such as instrumentation, volume, rhythm, speed, and melodic contour.