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Department of Education
National Capital Region
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE
MARIKINA CITY

Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health

MUSIC
Fourth Quarter – Module 1:
Vocal Music of the Romantic Period

Writer: Elnora P. Abuan

Cover Illustrator: John Orville Munar

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 What I Need to Know

How do you express your feelings? Is it through writing, painting, dancing, singing or actions? What
do you feel when these emotions are not expressed? Vocal music is one of the best tools for
expressing one’s feelings. This form of expression became more evident during the Romantic
period. To fully understand and appreciate vocal music of the Romantic period, this module will let
you experience the cultural developments and artistic forms of expression of the period. By
understanding the past we learn to appreciate the things we enjoy today.
The main objectives of this module are the following:
a. Explains the plot, musical and theatrical elements of an opera after watching video
samples; MU9OP-Iva-g-1
b. Performs themes or melodic fragments of given selected songs. MU9OP-IVb-h-3
After going through with this module, you are expected to:
a. identify the characteristic features of vocal music of the Romantic Period;
b. listen perceptively to selected vocal Romantic period music; and
c. name components of an opera and different voice classification through watching,
listening and giving a reaction to the video and music presented.

What I Know
Before you proceed to the different activities, answer first the pre-assessment activity to
find out what you already know about the topic of this module.
Instruction: Locate and encircle the word related to vocal music of the Romantic period inside the
box. The word/s may be arranged horizontally, vertically, diagonally/inverted. Match the words
found to the questions given below.

A R I A W A G N E R
R O V E R D I A B N
E L I E D E R R A C
P L I B R E T T O A
O S D A S A U C E R
P N I N I C C U P M
S C H U B E R T O E
R I G O L L E T O N

1. German composer who adapted the leitmotif approach.

2. Story set into music with several acts, finales and postludes.
3. Viennese composer who wrote over 600 art songs and the Unfinished Symphony.
4. La Donna e Mobile is an Aria from this Opera.
5. Georges Bizet’s famous opera.
6. Romantic opera composer who wrote his final opera that ends with “All world’s a joke”.
7. Italian Late-Romantic composer who composed the score for La Boheme.
8. German term for composition for solo voice and piano.
9. Solo singing part in an opera.
10. The texts of an opera.
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 LESSON VOCAL MUSIC OF THE
1 ROMANTIC PERIOD

What’s In
Hello Grade 9 learners, before going to our new lesson, let’s see if you still remember our past
topic about instrumental music during the Romantic period.

Questions:

1. Who are the famous composers of the Romantic period?

2. How would you describe the instrumental music of the Romantic period?
3. Who is known as the “Poet of the Piano?
4. Who is the composer that bridged the Classical period to Romantic period?
5. Who is known for his ballets music?

What’s New?

What words come to your mind when you hear the word opera in music? Can you give words that
are related to opera?

https://prezi.com/7jvplixkw6qw/romantic-opera/ https://www.pv-magazine.com/2019/06/05/sydney-
opera-house-inks-hybrid-renewable-ppa/

1. _________________________
2. _________________________
3. _________________________
4. _________________________
5. _________________________

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 What is It
Read the following about the definition and characteristics of Romantic vocal music, the opera
composers and discover famous compositions of each composer.
The parallelisms of music and literature were clearly evident in almost all forms of vocal music
during the Romantic Period. Composers interpret poems, mood, atmosphere and imagery into
music. Musical compositions such as the art song was written for solo voice and piano. Like all
program music, art song has its inspiration from poetry in this period. Mood is often set at the
beginning with piano introduction and concluded with a piano postlude.
Vocal music in this period requires singers to perform a greater range of tone color, dynamics,
and pitch. Because of this Opera became an important source of musical expressions. The birth of
the opera houses came, It was the place where all the arts converged: not only music, but poetry,
painting, architecture, and the dance as well.

Opera Composers of the Romantic period

Franz Peter Schubert

Franz Schubert, in full Franz Peter Schubert, (born January 31,

1797, Himmelpfortgrund, near Vienna [Austria]—died November 19,
1828, Vienna), Austrian composer who bridged the worlds of
Classical and Romantic music, noted for the melody and harmony in
his songs (lieder) and chamber music.
The proper name for Franz Schubert songs is actually lieder, which is
the German word for songs. Schubert developed lieder so that they
had a powerful dramatic impact on the listeners. His famous vocal
music works/Lieder were: “Gretchen am Spinnrade”, “Erlkonig”, “
Ellens Gesang III” ( Ave Maria”)
And “ Schwanenge sang” (Swan Song”). Among other works are
Symphony No. 9 in C Major (The Great; 1828), Symphony in B Minor
(Unfinished; 1822), masses, and piano works.

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 Giuseppe Verdi
Giuseppe Verdi was born in Italy in 1813, prior to Italian
unification. Verdi produced many successful operas, including La
Traviata, Falstaff and Aida, and became known for his skill in creating
melody and his profound use of theatrical effect. Additionally, his
rejection of the traditional Italian opera for integrated scenes and
unified acts earned him fame. Verdi died on January 27, 1901, in
Milan, Italy.
For the rest of the 1840s, and through the 1850s, '60s and '70s,
Verdi continued to garner success and fame. Comprising a popular
operatic series throughout the decades were Rigoletto (1851), Il
trovatore (1853), La traviata (1853), Don Carlos (1867) and Aida,
which premiered at the Cairo Opera House in 1871. Four years later,
in 1874, Verdi completed Messa da Requiem (best known simply as Requiem), which was meant
to be his final composition. He retired shortly thereafter.

Giacomo Puccini

Giacomo Puccini was born in a poor family on December 22, 1858 in

Lucca, Italy. He studied at the Milan Conservatory. He belonged to a
group of composers who stressed realism, therefore, he drew material
from everyday life, rejecting heroic themes from mythology and history.
Puccini’s famous opera were: “La Boheme,” “Tosca,” “Madame Butterfly,”
and “Turandot.”

Romantic Opera
The opera remained a flourishing medium throughout the 19th century,
and Italian opera continued as the dominant type during the first half of
the century in the hands of Gioachino Rossini, Vincenzo Bellini, and Gaetano Donizetti. The reforms
instigated by Gluck were discernible, but enough of the genre’s indigenous Italianate character
remained to distinguish it from other national types. The man who, more than any other, personifies
Italian opera of the period is Giuseppe Verdi (1813–1901), whose works are still among the most
performed. Late in the century, the tendency toward even more realistic and topical subject matter
produced the verismo (“realism”) school of Ruggiero Leoncavallo, Pietro Mascagni, and Giacomo
Puccini.

OPERA – is an abbreviation of the Italian phrase “Opera in Musica'' (Work in Music). It denotes a
theatrical work consisting of dramatic text, or libretto(booklet), that has been set to music and staged
with scenery, costumes, and movement.

Components of an Opera
● Libretto- the text of an opera. Librettist and the composer work closely together to tell the
story.
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 ● Score- the book that the composer and librettist put together. The score has all the musical
notes, words, and ideas to help the performers tell the story.
● Recitative- Declamatory singing, used in the prose parts and dialogue of opera. Different
roles in operas are created taking into account different types of voices. Each role requires
a different type of singer, not only able to sing a given vocal range but also with certain voice
characteristics, color, and power.
● Aria- an air or solo singing part sung by a principal character. This song is what the public
will remember best when leaving the opera house. Properly and well sung, a beautiful aria
can bring an audience to its feet and decide the fate of an entire opera. It is also important
to know the types of voice of singers. This will serve as a guide for singers on their choice
of songs and vocal quality expected of a singer or opera character.
For the Male Voice:
1. Tenor- highest male voice
2. Baritone- middle male voice, lies between Bass and Tenor voices. It is the common
male voice.
3. Bass- lowest male voice
For the Female Voice:
● Soprano - highest female voice
● Coloratura - highest soprano voice
● Lyric - bright and full sound
● Dramatic - darker full sound
● Mezzo-Soprano - most common female voice; strong middle voice, tone is
darker or deeper than the soprano
● Contralto – lowest female voice and most unique among female
● Duet, trio, and other small ensemble
● Chorus
● Orchestra
● Acts – main divisions of an opera
● Scene – setting or place
Composers like Verdi, Puccini , and Wagner saw the opportunity to explore ways to develop the
vocal power of a singer. Greater range of tone color, dynamics, and pitch were employed.
Dynamics and vocal embellishments were used to further affect the way singers sing. Some
musical terms are used like:
● A Capella – one or more singers performing without instrumental accompaniment
● Cantabili – in a single style
● Capo – head, the beginning
● Coda – closing section appended to a movement or song
● Dolce – sweetly
● Falsetto – a weaker and more airy voice usually in the higher pitch ranges
● Glissando – sliding quickly between 2 notes
● Passagio – parts of a singing voice where register transitions occur
● Rubato – slight speeding up or slowing down of the tempo of a piece at the discretion of the
soloist
● Tessitura – the most comfortable singing range of a singer

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 ● Vibrato – rapidly repeated slight pitch vibration during a sustained note, to give a richer and
more varied sound

Here is example of the story of one of the famous opera of the Romantic period:

La Traviata
● Music by Giuseppe Verdi
● Libretto in Italian by Francesco Maria Piave, based on “La Dame aux Camelias,” played by
Alexandre Dumas after his novel by the same name. The play is known in English as
“Camille”. Premiere: Venice, March 6, 1853.
● Categorized as a Romantic tragedy
● Set in Paris, France during 1850
● Originally in three acts, but present-day productions are usually in four acts dividing the
original Act II
● ACT I: Violetta’s Paris salon, luxuriously furnished
● ACT II: A Villa near Paris
● ACT III: Ballroom in Flora’s mansion
● ACT IV: Violetta’s bedroom

Synopsis
At one of her brilliant supper parties, the beautiful but frail demi-mondaine (a woman supported by
a wealthy lover-Merriam Webster Dictionary), Violetta Valery, meets the well-born Alfredo Germont.
They immediately fell in love and she decided to abandon her life of pleasure.
Alfredo’s father did not approve of their lifestyle in the country and demanded that Violetta
renounce Alfredo. Violetta, determined to make the sacrifice, then departs and leaves only a note
for Alfredo.
She appears at a ball in Flora’s house on the arm of an old admirer, Baron Douphol, which
makes Alfredo angry. Alfredo challenges Baron to play cards where Alfredo wins consistently.
Unable to persuade Violetta to go with him, Alfredo insults her. Violetta becomes ill, and all her
friends desert her, leaving her virtually penniless.
Alfredo returns to Violetta. His father told him of the real story behind Violetta’s departure from
their country house, and urged him to seek her forgiveness. Overjoyed at the sight of him, Violetta
attempts to rise but falls into Alfredo’s arms. As Germont and the doctor enter, Violetta dies.

REFLECTION
1. Does the plot of the opera reflect the ideals of the Romantic period? Why?

2. Do you think the opera “ La Traviata” is an opera worth watching? Why?

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Let us Check!
How are your readings so far? Can you digest all the information from the vocal music of the
Romantic period? Let’s check.
Complete the table by putting a check mark( /) under the column that indicates your understanding
of the topics.

Topic I have good I still have some I do not get it

understanding of the questions
topic
Characteristics of
vocal Romantic
music
Romantic
Composers and their
compositions
Vocal forms
- Art song
- opera

What’s More
Activity 1: Listening Activity: “How Far Do You Know”

Instruction: Listen/watch attentively to the following excerpts of Opera composed by each

composer. Answer the chart that follows. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper. Click or
type these links to your browser.

1. Franz Schubert – “Gretchen am Spinnrade”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9GqYa5sqXY
2. Giacomo Puccini – Madame Butterfly, “Un bel di vedremo”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01f8_3LdJdo
3. Giuseppi Verdi – “Aida”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TX0qN6QEvGg

Based on what you have listened and watched, discuss the characteristics of the music/opera.
Describe what is all about, how the singers performed, and your idea on the story of the opera.

TITLE OF OPERA CHARACTERISTICS/OBSERVATIONS

“Gretchen am Spinnrade”

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 Madame Butterfly,
“Un bel di vedremo”

“Aida”

What I Have Learned

Activity 3: “ Describe Me”
Instruction: Based on the music you have listened to, describe the characteristics of the vocal
Romantic music.
Vocal Music Characteristics/definition
Art Song
Opera
a. Components
b. Voice Classification

What I Can Do
Activity 4: A. Let’s Watch A Movie!
Instruction: You are going to watch a modern version of what an opera is. Watch for the different
components of opera being shown in the movie. Then take note of the important details about the
plot, the characters, musical, and theatrical elements present in the film. And answer the following
questions below.
Click or type this link to your browser: https://gogomovies.to/the-phantom-of-the-opera-2004/
Questions:
1. How did the film viewing activity help you make a good judgement about performances in
the Opera?

2. In What ways do Operas help people learn about the culture of other people?

3. How will you help other people in the future to understand and appreciate theatrical
performances like the Opera?

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Activity 4: B. Let’s Sing!
Instruction: You are going to sing the songs from the movie- Phantom of the Opera. Select a song
and try to sing the tune as accurately as possible. You can use any musical instruments or
improvised instruments.
Click or type this link to your browser: https://gogomovies.to/the-phantom-of-the-opera-2004/

Assessment
Multiple Choices: Read the questions carefully. Encircle the letter of the correct answers.

1. Italian composer where his first opera “Oberto” was performed in La Scala,the most important
opera house at the time.
A. G. Giacomo B. G. Verdi C. George Bizet D. Richard Wagner

2. I am known for composing German “lieder”, or short vocal songs.I was also very popular and
had many friends. Who am I?
A. Tchaikovsky B. Brahms C. Schubert D. Beethoven

3. Pick the correct term: a staged drama set to music made up of vocal pieces with
accompaniment.
A. Recital B. Opera C. Leitmotif D. Aria

4. Which opera/piece was composed by Verdi?

A. La Traviata C. Symphonie Fantastique
B. “The Nutcracker” D. Nocturne in Eb

5. A solo singing part in an opera.

A. Aria B. Act C. Prelude D. Postlude

6. What is a “lied”?
A. A piano piece B. Miniature C. Art song D. Program music

7. The highest male voice is…

A. Coloratura B. Bass C. Soprano D. Tenor
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8. It is one or more singers performing without instrumental accompaniment.
A. A Capella B. Coda C. Capo D. Rubato

9. When singing for an opera, the focus of the performance is on the singing technique called:
A. Aria B. Tessitura C. Bel Canto D. Falsetto

10. Giuseppe Verdi is known for writing…

A. German operas C. Ballets
B. Italian operas D. Piano works

11. The following musical terms were used to affect the way singers sing except for;
A. Rubato B. Vibrato C. Tessitura D. Polyphonic

12. The following opera were written by Giuseppe Verdi except for;
A. Tristan and Isolde B. Aida C. La Traviata D. Rigoletto

13. Romantic vocal forms like the art song and operas were mostly about;
A. Halloween B. Fantasy C. Advent D. Resurrection

14. Which of the following statements is true about opera?

A. Opera singers were trained only for a short period of time.
B. Opera singers are only asked to sing short phrases and to sing loud.
C. Opera technique is called bel canto, which means beautiful singing.
D. Opera singers often sing in Italian and never French.

15. The highest female voice and most unique among females.
A. Mezzo soprano B. Contralto C. Soprano D. Coloratura

Additional Activities
Activity 5: The Voice

Instruction: Look for famous opera and popular singers today and try to identify their voice
classification. Don’t limit your research on foreign artists but also our local singers today.

Name of Artist Voice Classification

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

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 Answer Key

References

Books
● Learner’s Material for Music & Arts Grade 9
● K2 to12 The 21st Century MAPEH in Action Worktext in Music Arts,Physical Education,
and Health (Authors) Gerardo C. Lualhati F. Callo, Lualhati F. Callo
Websites:
● Phantom of The Opera video: https://gogomovies.to/the-phantom-of-the-opera-2004/
● https://www.britannica.com/biography/Franz-Schubert

Images:
● https://prezi.com/7jvplixkw6qw/romantic-opera/
● https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giacomo_Puccini
● https://totallyhistory.com/giuseppe-verdi/
● https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franz_Schubert

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 Development Team of the Module

Writer: Elnora P. Abuan

Editors: Zarah Nisay
Reviewers:
Illustrator:
Layout Artist: Maria Isabel G. Tutor
Management Team:
Sheryll T. Gayola
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
OIC, Office of the Schools Division Superintendent

Elisa O. Cerveza
Chief, CID
OIC, Office of the Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

Jovita Consortia Mani

EPS-MAPEH

Ivy Coney A. Gamatero

EPS – LRMS

For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Schools Division Office- Marikina City

Email Address: sdo.marikina@deped.gov.ph

191 Shoe Ave., Sta. Elena, Marikina City, 1800, Philippines

Telefax: (02) 682-2472 / 682-3989

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