Although stage plays have been set to music since the ea of
the ancient Greeks. When the dramas of Sophocles and Aeschyius were accompanied
by lyres and flutes, the usually accepted date for the beginning of opera as we
know it is 1600. As part of the celebration of the marriage of King Henry IV of
France to the Italian aristocrat Maria de Medici, the Florentine composer Jacob
Peri produced his famous Eurydice, generally considered to be the first opera.
Following his example, a group of Italian musicians, poets and noblemen called
the camerata took most of the plots for their operas form Greek and roman History
and mythology, writing librettos or dramas for music. They called their compositions
opera in music or musical or musical works. It is from this phrase that the
word “opera” is borrowed.
For several years, the center of opera was Florence, but
gradually, during the baroque period, it spread throughout Italy. By the late
1600s, operas were being written and performed in Europe, especially in
England, France and Germany. But, for many years, the Italian opera was
considered the ideal, and many non-Italian composers continued to use Italian librettos.
The European form de-emphasized the dramatic aspect. New orchestral effect and
even ballets were introduction under the guise of opera. Composers gave in to
the demands of singers, writing many operas that were nothing more than a
succession of brilliant tricks for the voice. Complicated arias, recitatives
and duets evolved. The aria, which is a long solo, may be compared to a song in
which the characters express their thoughts and feelings. The recitative which
is also a solo, is a recitation set to music whose purpose is to continue the
story line. The duet is a musical piece written for two voices, which may serve
the function of either an aria or a recitative.
27.
This passage is a summary of
a.
Opera in Italy
b.
The Camerata
c.
The development of operant
d.
Euridice
28.
According to this passage, when did modern opera
being?
a.
In the time of the ancient Greeks
b.
In the fifteenth century
c.
At the beginning of the sixteenth century
d.
At the beginning of the seventeenth century.
29.
The word “
it” in line 3 refers to
a.
Opera
b.
Date
c.
Era
d.
Music
30.
According to the author, what did Jacopo peri
write?
a.
Greek tragedy
b.
The first opera
c.
The opera Maria de Medici
d.
The opera the camerata
31.
The author suggests that Euridice was produced
a.
In France
b.
Originally by Sophocles and Aeschylus
c.
Without much success
d.
For the wedding of king Henry IV
32.
What was
the Camerata?
a.
A group of Greek Musicians
b.
Musicians who developed a new musical drama based
upon ‘ Greek drama
c.
A style of music not known in Italy
d.
The name given to the court of king Henry IV
33.
The word “revive” in line 7 could best be
replaced by
a.
Appreciate
b.
Resume
c.
Modify
d.
Investigate
34.
The word “plots” in line 8 is closest in meaning
to
a.
Locations
b.
Instruments
c.
Stories
d.
Inspiration
35.
From what did the term “opera” derive?
a.
Greek and Roman history and mythology
b.
Non –Italian composers
c.
The Italian phrases the means “musical works”
d.
The ideas of composer Jacopo Peri
36.
Which of the following is an example of a solo?
a.
A recitative
b.
A duet
c.
An opera
d.
A lyre
Answer:
27.
C
28.
B
29.
D
30.
B
31.
C
32.
C
33.
D
34.
A
35.
C
36.
C
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