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Maria Callas, “Casta Diva” from Norma by Vincenzo Bellini
Listen to famous soprano Maria Callas sing Norma’s most famous aria. How does the bel canto style help her express her emotions and desires as she prays to the moon? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYl8GRJGnBY Listen again and consider Bellini’s composition. Pay attention to the orchestration, harmonies, and melody. Do you notice the cabaletta structure? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYl8GRJGnBY
Maria Callas, “Una Voce Poca Fa” from Il Barbiere de Siviglia by Gioachino Rossini
Now Listen to Maria Callas sing a bel canto aria from one of Bellini’s contemporaries, Gioachino Rossini. What similarities do you hear? How was Bellini influenced by Rossini? How is the aria structured differently? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG0BIOgl-aQ
Maria Callas “Il dolce suono” from Lucia di Lammermor by Gaetano Donizetti
Finally, compare to Donizetti’s work. How are the character’s emotions expressed? What similarities do you hear in the orchestration? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MSsi-iysCA
Frederic Chopin, Nocturne No. 20 in C Sharp Minor (composed in 1830)
Bellini was influenced by Chopin. Listen to his piano composition and compare with Bellini’s style. How much harmony do you hear? What does the tone of the piece seem to be? Happy? Melancholy? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqpPRj6UZqc
Elena Stikhina, 2019 Deutcshe Oper Berlin, Leanora’s aria from Il Trovatore by Guisuppe Verdi What is Elena’s voice quality like? How do you think she will sound singing Norma? How are elements of bel canto style still in Verdi’s work? What has aspects has Verdi changed? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu_xrNWaeDo
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