In this module, you learned about the invention of opera, a genre that uses music to enhance the dramatic impact of a staged production. While music can heighten the emotional effect of what we are seeing on the stage, the visual aspect can also influence our perception of the music. Each of the following videos is a recording of the same piece of music: “Dido’s Lament” from the opera Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell. The melody and harmony are essentially the same in each version, but the visuals are dramatically different. Your task is to listen to and compare the videos. Each video features a different singer and dramatically different visual interpretations.
How does seeing these different versions while hearing the same song change your perception?
Please respond to each of the following prompts. Number your responses to make it easier for the instructor to grade.
1. In your opinion, which video version do you think did the best job of conveying the emotional intent of the lyrics and why? Be specific as to which video you are referencing in your response by referring to both the number and the individual’s name associated with each video. (Example: “Version Four by Andrew Ondrejcak”)
2. Which video version was the least effective in conveying the emotional intent of the lyrics and why? Be specific as to which video you are referencing in your response by referring to both the number and the individual’s name.
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Maria Ewing’s Performance of “Dido’s Lament.”
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3. Music dramas are still popular in our world today. From Broadway musicals like Hamilton, award-winning feature films like La La Land and The Greatest Showman, the success of the Hindi film industry, and the High School Musical franchise, it’s clear that telling stories through song is something that still appeals to some people in our society today. If you are not familiar with any modern-day music dramas, take a moment now to watch one of them on Netflix, YouTube, the Library databases, or another source. A list can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_musicals (Links to an external site.)
Write a paragraph or two that responds to the following prompts:
Which musical dramas have you seen? Were they performed live or did you watch them on film? What did you like and dislike about them?
What are the benefits of singing something instead of speaking it?
What are the disadvantages?
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Version One: Maria Ewing’s Performance of “Dido’s Lament.”
This version is from a film production of the opera that attempts to recreate the costumes and scenery that might have been found in the historical era when the story of Dido and Aeneas takes place – that is, in ancient Troy as depicted in the epic tale The Aeneid by Virgil.
Version Two: Jessye Norman’s Performance of “Dido’s Lament.”
This dramatic staging is not intended to be a realistic setting of the opera but it is visually striking. How does taking away the “realistic” elements of the story change the way you interpret this aria?
Version Three: Klaus Nomi’s Performance of “Dido’s Lament.”
Although the role of Dido is traditionally sung by a female, this version is sung by a male, Klaus Nomi. How does changing the gender change your perception of the character, the storyline, and the emotions that are being expressed?
Version Four: Andrew Ondrejcak’s Experimental Interpretation.
Unlike the other videos, Ondrejcak is not the person you hear singing. He is a New York-based director who presents an experimental take on the traditional operatic diva. This video features queer and trans performers who lip-synch along with a recording of the music. How does removing the singer from sight impact your listening experience?
This assignment will be graded as follows:
Evaluation: Most Effective 5 points
Student identifies one video as the most effective at conveying the emotional intent of the lyrics and justifies response with a specific example.
Evaluation: Least Effective 5 points
Student identifies one video as the least effective at conveying the emotional intent of the lyrics and justifies response with a specific example.
Benefits of Singing vs. Speaking
5 points
Student thoroughly responds to the prompt.
Disadvantages of Singing vs. Speaking
5 points
Student thoroughly responds to the prompt.
Student’s Personal Experience
10 points
Student lists at least one musical drama and explains what they liked and dislike about it.