Introduction to Music Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Opera problemsMozart

Introduction to Music Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Opera problems—Mozart solutions Don Giovanni Study thoughts

Mozart l l l Incomparable child prodigy » Performing at 5 » Composing at 8 Prolific composer—all genres, e. g. : » Operas » 41 symphonies » Concertos for piano, strings, winds (being improved) » Sonatas, serenades, masses Genius; life possibly complicated by shortage of good judgment

Mozart & Opera problems: 1. “stock”characters Mozart’s solutions:

Mozart & Opera problems: Mozart’s solutions: 1. “stock”characters have real, believable personalities 2. plots about mythology, gods, aristocracy plots about real-life middle class characters 3. “stop & go” (aria) (recit. ) continuous flow arias and recitatives blended together 4. not cohesive, story lines interrupted—often by non-story material orchestration, harmony, melody, style--all contribute to story-telling, setting mood, & adding depth to characters; all else eliminated!

Summary Mozart Don Giovanni, Act I Italian comic opera (actually, “drama giocosa”) I= many recitatives are accompanied by orchestra ensembles: characters retain I. D. s and personalities several actions, moods, messages presented simultaneously opera provides social commentary Connect Kamien

Don Giovanni: What do you hear? How does Mozart use the voices, instruments, and qualities of the music to tell the story in each of the following excerpts? p. 183 --“Waiting around” music: Notte e giorno faticar… What elements of the music project elapsing time and Leporello’s pacing and/or impatience? pp. 183, 4 -- ensemble of Donna Anna, Don Giovanni, Leporello: Non sperar, se non m’uccidi… What message and mood does each character project? (Use the text and/or Connect. Kamien. ) p. 184—Commandant enters: Lasciala, indegno!. . . What characteristics of his voice and/or the music communicate his authority and advanced age? p. 185 --Dueling music: What sounds suggest the slashing of swords in a fight? What musical device indicates the duel has stopped suddenly (with the Commandant being run through)? p. 185 --ensemble of mortally wounded Commandant, Don Giovanni, Leporello: Ah soccorso! Son tradito!. . . What message does each character project? p. 186—Recitative: near-conversation quality, little melody, basso continuo accompaniment

Don Giovanni readings Click on the hypertext and read these 2 articles NY Metropolitan Opera Synopsis A modern day Don Giovanni production describing the complex and demanding world of today’s opera production

Lorenzo da Ponte l l l What were da Ponte’s special abilities and skills? What is his connection with Mozart? What was his connection with the opera, Don Giovanni?

Don Giovanni--Deep thoughts 1. Think of how today’s culture and its expressions treat elements like those in Don Giovanni as “mere entertainment. ” 1. Womanizing 2. Seduction, rape 3. Murder 4. Contempt for: absolutes of right and wrong authority (especially religious/moral) notion of wrong or evil being punished 2. Was the opera, Don Giovanni ahead of its time? ? an anomalous misrepresentation of culture’s tastes? Movies TV Newspapers Magazines Novels Hollywood “stars” Pop culture icons Maybe a bit Probably NOT

Know about Mozart: his wunderkind early life l his problems w/ patronage l his development of opera l

Compare/Contrast Baroque with Classical Society’s religiosity/secularity l Aristocracy’s wealth and power l Role of peasantry l Geographical centers of artistic development l Music’s most important function in society l

Explain. . . l l l patronage--its relationship with and benefits/problems for » Haydn » Mozart » Beethoven why the French Revolution, general European turmoil, and industrialization led to the demise of patronage. why less complex music is favored in classical culture.