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Opera-Online! Week 10

Click here to download study guideWelcome to Opera-Online!

Welcome to Opera Online! This week we focus on Puccini's comedic gem, Gianni Schicchi.

Youtube Clip of the Week

We start our look at Schicchi with the opera's hit tune, one of the most popular opera arias ever written, "O mio babbino caro." In the aria, Lauretta begs her babbino, or daddy, to let her marry her boyfriend, Rinuccio. If he doesn't she will fling herself into the Arno River.

Before we hear the aria, review its text on page 30 of the student guide. If you don't have a guide handy, you can download it onto your computer by clicking on the image above.

There are literally hundreds and hundreds of performances of this aria on youtube, featuring legendary singers like Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, and Leontyne Price, up and coming singers in conservatories, 9 year old girls, and more. We'll actually look at three different performances of this aria: two by legendary singers who were known for their acting ability, and one who was renowned for the sheer beauty of her voice. After viewing these clips, leave a response on the blog and let us know which soprano was your favorite!

Canadian soprano Teresa Stratas was of Greek heritage and was a true animal of the theater. She fully immersed herself in every role she sang. This clip shows her during a command performance for President George H. W. Bush and his wife Barbara at the White House in the 1980s. Ms. Stratas has some fascinating things to say about opera before she begins to sing.



Then we look at another soprano, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa from New Zealand. Dame Kiri was famous around the world for the sheer beauty of her voice and she catapulted to fame when she sang at the wedding ceremony of Prince Charles of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer. Dame Kiri's recording of "O mio babbino caro" was used throughout the 1986 film version of the E.M. Forster novel A Room with a View.



Our third video comes from a complete performance of the opera. It features Italian diva Renata Scotto as Lauretta and French baritone Gabriel Bacquier as Schicchi. Ms. Scotto was also known for her emotional investment in her roles. While her vocalism might be a bit "acidic" she is charming in her impersonation of the twentysomething Lauretta.



Web Site of the Week

One of the unofficial characters in Gianni Schicchi is the location itself: Florence, Italy. It's a romantic destination in the Tuscan region of Italy that is well known for its art and its history. The town is filled with famous statues, monumental cathedrals, stunning squares, and more. Learn a little bit more about Florence at this web site.

You're Invited!
If you are able, please join us for A Taste of Opera, a free event that will help you get ready for L'enfant et les sortilèges and Gianni Schicchi. The event is held on April 19, 2009, from 2:00-3:00 PM at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, located at 118 N. Broad Street in Philadelphia. It is free and open to the public! We'll preview both L'enfant et les sortilèges and Gianni Schicchi with live music and fun comments, too. Plus, you get to look at all of the famous art work at the museum for free, too! If you'd like to attend, please email us at outreach@operaphila.org with your name, number of people attending, and your address and phone number.

Don't forget to invite your friends to sign up to receive these alerts by emailing their name, school, and age to us at outreach@operaphila.org.

Until next week...

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