Music Lesson: Vocal Music During the Romantic Period

Introduction

• Focus on vocal music in the Romantic period.
• Expression of feelings through music was prominent.

Characteristics of Romantic Period Vocal Music

• Emotional subjectivity: explored grandiosity, intimacy, unpredictability, sadness, rapture, and longing.
• Romantic vocal forms: art songs, operas about fantasy, supernatural, romance, nature.
• Virtuoso performers: both instrumentalists and singers.

Cultural and Artistic Developments

• Parallelism of music and literature.
• Art song: solo voice and piano, inspired by poetry.
• Landscape inspiration, myths, legends, folklore, supernatural themes.
• Opera: important musical expression, convergence of various arts.

Components of Opera

1. Libretto: Text of an opera.
2. Score: Contains musical notes, words, ideas.
3. Recitative: Speech-like singing.
4. Aria: Solo singing part, often remembered.
5. Acts and Scenes: Divisions and settings in an opera.

Famous Romantic Period Opera Composers

1. Franz Peter Schubert
   • Developed "Lieder" (songs for solo voice and piano).
   • Famous works: "Gretchen am Spinnrade", "Erlkönig", "Ave Maria".
2. Giuseppe Verdi
   • Emphasized good libretto, middle-class audiences.
   • Famous operas: "La Traviata", "Rigoletto", "Aida".
3. Richard Wagner
   • Introduced music drama.
   • Famous operas: "Tristan und Isolde", "Die Walküre".
4. Georges Bizet
   • Famous for "Carmen".

Examples of Famous Operas

1. La Traviata (Giuseppe Verdi)

   • Romantic tragedy set in Paris.
   • Story of Violetta Valéry and Alfredo Germont.

2. Madame Butterfly (Giacomo Puccini)

   • Romantic tragedy set in Nagasaki, Japan.
   • Story of Lieutenant Pinkerton and Cio-Cio-San.

Types of Voices

• Male: Tenor, Baritone, Bass
• Female: Soprano, Coloratura, Lyric, Dramatic, Mezzo-Soprano, Contralto

Vocal Techniques and Terms

• A cappella: Singing without instruments.
• Cantabile: Singing style.
• Falsetto: High pitch, airy voice.
• Vibrato: Slight pitch variation.

Training for Opera Singing

• Sound/Tone Color: Quality of sound.
• Bel Canto Technique: Beautiful singing technique.
• Endurance: Singing through long performances.
• Language: Familiarity with Italian, French, German, Russian.
• Posture: Essential for breathing and vocal quality.
• Vocal Range: Developing a wide singing range.

Romantic Period in the Philippines

• Sarsuela: Traditional Filipino theater genre.
• Famous writers: Benigno Zamora, Severino Reyes.
• Notable Performers: Lea Salonga, known for international musical roles.

Generalization and Conclusion

• Romantic period music is intensely emotional.
• Art songs and operas are key achievements.
• Ends with guidance on completing music modules and activities.