The Birth and life of Opera:

“Excitement Rage Passion”. That is how Opera has been described in this documentary, hosted by Howard Goodhall. It is a form of music; the form where it is integrated with the real world, fusing “music with universal stories and idea”.  400 years old and still kicking, opera was first created in Florence! The Camerata: a mixture of artists who discussed the arts and sciences came up with bright idea of having a music drama. And this idea has been stamped as irreplaceable in history and has influenced  the modern world as well. It was initially a form of entertainment for the elitist thus it played a big part in communicating political views. “Used as  a vehicle for powerful messages” by Mozart and many other composers. Often many of the composers shared themes in their operas.  Themes of liberation deliverance, catalyst for political change, place for responses, propaganda, and it soon became a national identity for the Italians.

But regardless of the work it did in its homeland, it did a lot around the world as well, and proved that music is a great way to communicate nearly everything. I immediately realized how the emotion of the songs got to me and I don’t speak or understand anything but English, proving that even for the illiterate low class in these countries, the opera music explained a lot about what was going on around them. Howard Goodhalll said it best. The use of song throughout a story “offers the piece a stylistic unity, and music is better at getting across thoughts or ideas that are very sensitive”

Just as important as the music were the costumes and sets used while telling these stories. Because opera told humanistic stories, the sets and costumes were as extravagant as the music in order to fully communicate the ideas in the story.  

The musical and the Opera: The parent or the modern form?

I agree with the host of the film, that opera is the parent of the musical and the exist side by side. The musical drama. Operas are still being composed and the great ones are still being performed. I am familiar with John Adams work, and I note that the art of opera is still being studied and practiced all over the world. I used to wonder why it hasn't died, why it is still appreciated  just as much as it was before. It is a true union of many art forms as American Composer John Adams said. I think it is amazing how you can develop an appreciation for a form of art over time, all the more reason why art stays relevant because until it has been experienced by all, it remains living.