LISTEN UP

Maria Callas, “Casta Diva” from Norma by Vincenzo Bellini Listen to famous soprano Maria Callas sing Norma’s most famous aria. How does the bel canto style help her express her emotions and desires as she prays to the moon? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYl8GRJGnBY

Listen again and consider Bellini’s composition. Pay attention to the orchestration, harmonies, and melody. Do you notice the cabaletta structure? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYl8GRJGnBY

Maria Callas, “Una Voce Poca Fa” from Il Barbiere de Siviglia by Gioachino Rossini Now Listen to Maria Callas sing a bel canto aria from one of Bellini’s contemporaries, Gioachino Rossini. What similarities do you hear? How was Bellini influenced by Rossini? How is the aria structured differently? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG0BIOgl-aQ

Maria Callas “Il dolce suono” from Lucia di Lammermor by Gaetano Donizetti Finally, compare to Donizetti’s work. How are the character’s emotions expressed? What similarities do you hear in the orchestration? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MSsi-iysCA

Frederic Chopin, Nocturne No. 20 in C Sharp Minor (composed in 1830) Bellini was influenced by Chopin. Listen to his piano composition and compare with Bellini’s style. How much harmony do you hear? What does the tone of the piece seem to be? Happy? Melancholy? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqpPRj6UZqc

Elena Stikhina, 2019 Deutcshe Oper Berlin, Leanora’s aria from Il Trovatore by Guisuppe Verdi What is Elena’s voice quality like? How do you think she will sound singing Norma? How are elements of bel canto style still in Verdi’s work? What has aspects has Verdi changed? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu_xrNWaeDo

GENERAL QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOUR LISTENING

• What instruments do you hear? • How fast is the music? Are there sudden changes in speed? Is the rhythm steady or unsteady? • Key/Mode: Is it major or minor? (Does it sound bright, happy, sad, urgent, dangerous?) • Dynamics/Volume: Is the music loud or soft? Are there sudden changes in volume (either in the voice or orchestra)? • What is the shape of the melodic line? Does the voice move smoothly or does it make frequent or erratic jumps? Do the vocal lines move noticeably downward or upward? • Does the type of voice singing (baritone, soprano, tenor, mezzo, etc.) have an effect on you as a listener? • Do the melodies end as you would expect or do they surprise you? • How does the music make you feel? What effect do the above factors have on you as a listener? • What is the orchestra doing in contrast to the voice? How do they interact? • What kinds of images, settings, or emotions come to mind? Does it remind you of anything you have experienced in your own life? • Do particularly emphatic notes (low, high, held, etc.) correspond to dramatic moments? • What type of character fits this music? Romantic? Comic? Serious? Etc.