Direction:

This is a short-answer question exercise.  To complete the exercise, please look for the answer in the text of "Operas & Musicals."  Then, use the key words in the text that answer each question as your answer.  Sometimes, you are required to explain the meaning of a term.  This type of questions actually requires you to show your ability in finding the definition in context.  You, therefore, also find the definition in the text and use it as an answer to the question. Please note that answers are accepted in the form of key words only, not sentences. []

 

1. What does opera literally mean?

 
2. What does recitative mean?

 
3. In what century did Opera Seria emerge?

 
4. Who or what dominated the opera scene of Opera Seria?

 
5. What does castrati mean?

 
6. What new element was added to the mid-18th century opera, or opera buffa?

 
7. What are the features of ballad opera?

 
8. What does versimo mean?

 
9. Both Verdi and Wagner liked to use short musical themes in their dramas.  What term did Wagner use to call these themes?

 
10. Who or what played a dominant role in Wagner's opera?  The vocalist or the orchestra?

 
11. Who composed  Carmen?

 
12. Who was Wagner's 20th-century successor, and who was Verdi's?

 
13. What is usually the focus of the plot of a musical?

 
14. What is the first "talkie" musical?

 
15. "All That Jazz" has been filmed three times.  Who are the leading stars of the three film musicals?