Assignment #10 Opera and Musical Theater

Opera and

Musical Theater

1. Discuss the plot of Turandot:

Drawing in response to hearing Act III of Turandot

Turandot takes place in three Acts. In the first act takes place in a courtyard in Peking, China. Turandot is a beautiful princess who despises love. Anyone that wants to marry her is asked three riddles- if they answer right, the own her love, if they answer wrong, the are beheaded. Calaf "Unknown Prince" declares his passion to be a suitor of Turandot. The second act is exhibited by Calaf answering the three riddles correctly. According to the law this would lead to the marriage of Turandot. But, Turandot refuses to be captive of a stranger as she is scared of love. Calaf poses a riddle of his own for Turandot saying to her: tell me my name before morning, and at dawn I shall die. Liu, a servant woman of Turandot, is the only one that finds out the name of Calaf. But, as Liu falls in love with Calaf, when she is ordered to state the name of Turandot's suitor, all she replies with is "Amor" ("love"). The unknown prince than states "then I shall die" ending the Opera.

2. Name two operas that Mozart wrote.

 Appollo et Hyacinthus

Latin

Bastien und Bastienne 

German

  

 

3. What is the difference between Opera and Light Opera?

Opera is an art form in which singers perform dramatic work combing words and musical score. Incorporated art elements include acting, scenery, spoken theater, music and costumes. Opera singers are often accompanied by an orchestra or smaller musical ensemble.

"Light" Opera is often classified as Operetta. It is considered light in terms of music and subject matter. Often closely correlated with Musical Theater.