Introduction
Opera is a performance involving chorus and musical groups in a theater form. It is like spoken acting with classical music. It includes many of the basics of vocal drama and occasionally comprises dance. Opera started in the 16th century in Europe with dominance in Italy.
The terminology of an opera is identified as a little book, and many composers have used this to write down a script. The original opera has two styles in performance. Narrated, they are plot pouring scripts where the actor articulates feelings in the non-melodic and prescribed song where a prepared piece of music is used. Assemblies of actors frequently occurred using choruses to comment on the act. Opera did not linger in the restrictions of palaces but went to open festivals. (Matthew et al 1997)
The history of opera
Opera was growing in Europe and dominated most countries in the 19th and 20th centuries. More styles were adopted and with the advent of recording saw an increase in the fan base. Recordings were done for media stations to play on air. This exposed the opera as a type of music creating an industry that employed many. (Schmidt-Jones 2008)
The Opera wave continued to grow and engulfed the whole of Europe. In Germany, a composer by the name of Richard Wagner worked on the piece Tristan and Isolde among other works. Wagner changed Opera by eliminating more or less all differences to produce an endless piece of music. Tristan and Isolde were melodious acting with three performances based on affection which influenced many composers.
Wagner was motivated by Mathilde the wife of a wealthy silk trader and fan of Wagner, Otto Wesendonck. Tristan and Isolde is a prototypical romance affair of the middle ages that Wagner used to write his opera inspired by the theme writings of Gottfried von Strassburg. Many people had written about Tristan and Isolde but he chose the latter for its detailed storyline. (Simon & Henry 1946)
Romanticism and opera of Tristan and Isolde
Romanticism in classical music has basic rules of melody, synchronization, tempo, vocal progression, fine-tuning, and performance. Composers use varieties, tunes, and accords that provide a clear composition for the music. Music is influenced by many things going on in society; thoughts, feelings, sightings, designs, and chronological actions (Schmidt-Jones 2008).
The Tristan and Isolde drama is influenced by a wide range of things. The drama is composed in the middle ages and this has a consequence on its production. During the middle ages, wars were fought and a lot of knights got injured. Tristan was a knight and he got injured while at war. It was Isolde who took care of him. Isolde was an Irish princess accomplished in enchantment and herbs. In the opera, she is taken to marry King Marke and she develops feelings for her escort Tristan. Musical tones are used in the opera to represent characters. Isolde is represented by soprano, Tristan by tenor, and King Marke by bass. Brangane and Kurwenal were represented by mezzo-soprano and baritone respectively. (Metropolitan Opera 1886)
Isolde’s soprano is considered dramatic as it’s an incredibly huge voice that can affirm itself. The voice is extensive and incredibly commanding. Isolde who is symbolized by the soprano voice allows her to express her feelings in the drama. She is taken away unwillingly to be married off which makes her unhappy. Her attendant Brangane is represented by mezzo-soprano which also has a similar character. Wagner uses the voices to show what is in the thoughts of Isolde and her attendant. Tristan symbolized by the tenor voice shows heroism. (Simon & Henry 1946) Tenor’s voice has immense endurance and is complete with theatrical suspension.
The tone gives Tristan a commanding role that shows his knight-like traits. In the drama, Tristan plays the role of protecting Isolde. Together with his fellow knight Kurwenal, they show bravery. This is also shown in the baritone voice of Kurwenal. King Marke symbolized with the bass voice showing majesty. It is a voice used for rulers and triumphant commanders in drama. The bass voice shows how King Marke felt about his rule. His authority and kingship are expressed to the listener by the heavy bass voice. (Scott 2009)
The drama depicts romance in the story by the use of voice. The characters have specialized voices that speak to the listeners. The music gives a feeling of romance in the voices as they are expressed. Soprano and tenor voices have a character that fits Isolde and Tristan respectively. The king stands out as a conqueror and the bass in the opera shows his authority as well as sorrow and happiness. (Scott 2009) The two supporting characters that help in the play also complement the voices.
Brangane’s voice goes together with Isolde while Kurwenal’s voice goes together with Tristan. This combination gives the play harmony and continuity. The harmony is expanded and even suspended. The suspension keeps the audience wanting more with expectations especially towards the end. The romantic opera ends with the two lovers being buried side by side as ordered by the king. The end shows a happy end to a rather moving opera filled with intrigue. (Scott 2009)
Wagner had gone through a similar circumstance where he lost his love. Minna his first wife used malice to sideline Mathilde which made Wagner lose both women. Minna accused Mathilde of causing them to separate in their marriage. This inspired Wagner to compose the opera for the world to know how it feels to lose a lover. Tristan and Isolde’s drama shows how opera music can be romantic and can end in tragedy.
Wagner’s use of different musical voices which have meaning in theater is magnificent. It gives the whole story a musical feel that is pleasing to the audience and it shows a storyline that can be followed. The play has been shown in many opera venues and showed much success. Since its inception, the opera piece has shown great appeal from the audience and other composers. Many composers have used Wagner’s work as a template for their compositions.
Conclusion
An opera is a form of art that can be used to pass information to society. Art has been used as a medium of exchange of ideas and people tend to remember pictures more than plain words. Drama has helped opera grow and people like Wagner are credited for their contribution. More composers continue with the trade and are growing coming up with new ways that appeal to the masses. Places like the Metropolitan Theater have staged the opera showing the casts. This shows that the work was well received.
Work Cited
Metropolitan Opera 1886, Cast and characters. Web.
Matthew, B.et al (1997), Opera the Rough Guide, 672 pages, ISBN 1-85828-138-5.
Scott, M 2009, samuelramey. Web.
Schmidt-Jones, C 2008, The Music of the Romantic Era. Web.
Simon, Henry, W (1946), A Treasury of Grand Opera. Simon and Schuster, New York.