STANDARDS:​

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Connecting: (1) Connect music with other fine arts and disciplines outside the arts

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Performing: (2) develop and refine musical techniques and works for presentation​

Guiding Questions

• What are the elements of a musical?

• What are the elements of an opera?

• What is the difference between a musical and an opera?

Opera

An opera is a play in which all of the actors' lines are sung instead of spoken.

Most opera is written and performed in a foreign language such as Italian or German.

There are two types of opera:

• Opera Seria

• Opera Buffa

Opera Seria

a more serious opera with larger than life characters.

Opera Buffa

a lighter and more comical opera about everyday people.

Musicals Versus Operas

• In opera, music is at the forefront.

• In musical theatre, the words are key to the plot development.

• Structurally, in an opera, there is only music, with no scenes or dialogue.

• In a musical, the songs are interspersed with scenes and dialogue.

Example of Opera Seria

The Magic Flute: "Queen of the Night" Aria

Example of Opera Buffa

The Pirates of Penzance:

"I Am A Pirate King"

Example of Musical

The Lion King: "The Circle of Life"