Winona van Alstyne Music History II MUS 313N (Unique #______) April 6th, 2012 Exam 2 Essay: Operas

The first half of the nineteenth century was one of the richest and most prodigal periods for the genre of opera. Opera, unlike any of the other musical forms of the time incorporated visual intrigue and excitement with political, historical, and artistic theatrical entertainment. These elements combined to make it by far the most popular musical genre of its time while its varied themes enabled opera to be equally popular with people of all classes and professions. During the nineteenth century three prominent approaches to opera developed and quickly became defining emblems of their respective nations. The three models were Italian Opera, French Grand Opera, and German Romantic Opera. Opera was conceived as a piece of national heritage in Italy, its birth place. Italian composers and librettists were the most famous musical artists in the country and were well known pop culture icons of the time.