Vocalist.org archive


From:  "Caio Rossi" <caiorossi@t...>
Date:  Tue Jan 29, 2002  4:29 pm
Subject:  Re: [vocalist] WHAT'S NEXT?



Mike:> so, you're looking for something that is a little more literal
as a
decendent (as modern dance is to ballet)?

Yes, but not that I'm really hopeful to find any. I'm more like suggesting
what I think should be done.

>i don't think musical theater ever attempted to. as it has been around
(in
some form or, other) since at least the 18th century, i think it is a
seperate entity (musical theater as opposed to theatrical music).

The 18th century happens to be the same period as the American and the
French Revolutions, btw. But I didn't really mean to say it's a conscious
attempt toward that end, although some people involved in it have overtly
expressed that intention ( I won't remember their names now ).

> i think the 'recession' that opera experienced during the 20th century
is largely due to the type of writing that was being done, from schoenberg
on. because of the strong leaning towards atonality and the reluctance of
singers to take it on, compared to instrumentalists, opera did not continue
to develope in the way instrumental music did. it also could be, with the
exception of those invested in opera specifically, that film took up the
audience that would have otherwise found
opera appealing (this is not to say that everyone who loves film would have
been an opera lover if film did not exist).<

Also, I notice that people who are muscially more demanding ( mostly
musicians ) don't seem to buy the emotional appeal in opera, and usually
mock at it and wish they could shush the singer. They're much more likely to
enjoy instrumental music only and be into European or Iranian movie, where
strong emotions do not reign. On the other hand, most people I know who
really appreciate opera will see movies, mostly Hollywood "sensitive",
tear-jerking ones, whose trailler is enough to make me sick.

So maybe you're right.

Caio






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