Il Trovatore Analysis
1. Name of site: The Self-Help Guide to Wagner
What it contained: This site explained who Wagner was and his contribution to classical music.
What I learned: Richard Wagner was a controversial composure that made lasting changes to the musical arts. He felt that drama should be enjoyed in the dark so he suggested lowering the lights prior to a performance; a custom we still practice today. He also “exploded” the music theater making it much bigger, which would have increased the feel and ferocity of the music being played. As an anti-Semitic he was admired by Hitler who used his music to symbolize his Third Reich. Because of this his music is still banned in Israel. More than the info about Wagner, I listened to a little of his work. I was especially interested in the Tristan Chord after it was explained as an “unsettling tone”. After hearing it I could see how some could find it unsettling because it’s basically a hanging chord. The chords build upon some tension, danger, depression; a Steven King meets Twilight Zone type feel and the 4th chord, the one that should release you doesn’t. It leaves you …show more content…
Name of site: Verdi's 'Il Trovatore': Profound Or Preposterous?
What it contained: This site discussed Verdi’s Il Trovatore, a widely popular comedic opera known for its spectacular music.
What I learned: Il Trovatore is a comedic opera that overwhelms us with trying to keep track of the characters and how they are all interwoven together. The story is told from a soldier (Ferrando) perspective as he tells his troops about the family history of their commander, the Count. In the story we have kidnapping, mistaken identity, suicide; all the classic elements of a Shakespearian influence. The plot reminded me of Romeo & Juliet; both heroines commit suicide by poison when they think their love has died, and both hero’s end up dying in the end. But it wasn’t the story that attracted the audience, it was the music. Verdi seemed to be a master at the musical
What it contained: This site explained who Wagner was and his contribution to classical music.
What I learned: Richard Wagner was a controversial composure that made lasting changes to the musical arts. He felt that drama should be enjoyed in the dark so he suggested lowering the lights prior to a performance; a custom we still practice today. He also “exploded” the music theater making it much bigger, which would have increased the feel and ferocity of the music being played. As an anti-Semitic he was admired by Hitler who used his music to symbolize his Third Reich. Because of this his music is still banned in Israel. More than the info about Wagner, I listened to a little of his work. I was especially interested in the Tristan Chord after it was explained as an “unsettling tone”. After hearing it I could see how some could find it unsettling because it’s basically a hanging chord. The chords build upon some tension, danger, depression; a Steven King meets Twilight Zone type feel and the 4th chord, the one that should release you doesn’t. It leaves you …show more content…
Name of site: Verdi's 'Il Trovatore': Profound Or Preposterous?
What it contained: This site discussed Verdi’s Il Trovatore, a widely popular comedic opera known for its spectacular music.
What I learned: Il Trovatore is a comedic opera that overwhelms us with trying to keep track of the characters and how they are all interwoven together. The story is told from a soldier (Ferrando) perspective as he tells his troops about the family history of their commander, the Count. In the story we have kidnapping, mistaken identity, suicide; all the classic elements of a Shakespearian influence. The plot reminded me of Romeo & Juliet; both heroines commit suicide by poison when they think their love has died, and both hero’s end up dying in the end. But it wasn’t the story that attracted the audience, it was the music. Verdi seemed to be a master at the musical