Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Essential Opera - Reading Together - Part 3

This week's reading focused on the opera house. This first public opera house was opened in Venice, Italy, in 1637. The first opera house in Germany was opened in 1678. Opera houses have since then been popular in both European as well as American cities.

Most opera houses are built to hold 1000 to 3000 seats, and the auditoriums are arranged in a U-shape. Many opera houses also have an orchestra pit.

An opera production entails an orchestra and a large cast. As a result, an opera house will frequently also house set building shops, costume facilities, and dressing rooms.

If you are looking to introduce your beginner students to some famous opera pieces, check out the selection at Making Music Fun.
- Barber of Seville
- Madame Butterfly
- Marriage of Figaro
- Prelude from Carmen

Leave your comments and impressions below. And, don't forget to read the fourth installment for next week.

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