Opera before 1920- L'Orfeo

          I chose the opera “L’Orfeo” written by Claudio Monteverdi in 1607. After researching and reading about numerous operas, I was intrigued to watch L’Orfeo because it is considered to be the first great opera. Monteverdi is considered to be the “founding father” of opera and is often given credit for creating this work of art. However, he did not actually invent opera. The work of the Italians from over 400 years ago first developed this art, but unfortunately the majority of their work has been lost over time. After Monteverdi died, the opera slowly died down and was not performed for hundreds of years. It was only until recent years that the opera was performed and won numerous awards. Monteverdi’s work of art is now being played today in all different parts of the world. 

            Even though Monteverdi’s opera was not the very first opera, it was in fact the first opera to make sense. Monteverdi’s opera incorporated music, singing, and an intriguing storyline all in a cohesive manner, which is what made it the first great opera. This opera consisted of five different acts with scene changes and elaborate costumes throughout. 

            This image above is from the opera that I watched that took place in 1978. In this picture some of the scene in the background is visible. In this particular opera, the background colors were very light and resembled pastel colors. This created the illusion that the opera was old in a sense, almost like something vibrant that had faded. This helped to show that the setting was in the past when the opera was originally written in 1607. In this image, there are three costumes that can be seen. Like the ones in the picture, all the costumes are large in size and filled with detailed embroidery. The dresses especially appear to be extremely full and seem as if they would even be heavy to wear. 

            This image above was from a later act in the opera. Even though it appears that this picture could have come from a completely different scene, it is the same background. When I was watching this opera, I was expecting to see numerous set changes, where the whole stage changed. I was shocked to realize that the physical set remained the same throughout the whole opera. In order to create the feeling that the actors were in a different place, props were added and the lighting continued to change to set a different mood. One of the most important uses of technology was the different forms of light used. By diming and lightening the stage, it made the performers feel like they were in a different location than the previous act or scene. For instance, in this opera some of the acts take place in the Underworld and the way this illusion was created was by making the stage darker by using different lights and adding props such as vines and dark figures. 

            When this opera was first performed I can image that the audience would have been amazed. One of the aspects that I found most impressive during this opera was how much the orchestra played throughout the opera. I cannot imagine how much time and practice needed to be set aside in order to be able to play an instrument for that long with only short breaks. Considering this opera was the first to have a chronological story and series of events the audience must have really enjoyed the storyline along with the musical elements of this opera. 

            L’Orfeo, being the first opera with a sensible plot, set an example for following operas. Without the creation if this opera, the operas we have today may have been completely different. L’Orfeo included music, dance, and a story that created an emotional response from the audience and established a foundation for other operas. 

            If I were a director, I would not make this opera a video game just because the interests over time have changed so much. Most of the video games that are popular today involve violence and trying to beat others to reach a goal. However, I think this opera would make a great movie because of the changing emotions that audiences love to experience while watching a great film.