OPERA FOR TODAY (6 films)

Duration: 29 min

Year Published: 1956

Creator: WQED-TV

Format: 16mm

Color: B&W

Sound: Sound

Description: 1. OPERA IN ENGLISH. Boris Goldovsky describes his basic philosophy of opera in English and assesses the future of opera in the United States. Shows the production techniques encountered in transforming an original opera into English. Elaborates upon the steps involved in operatic production. 2. LANGUAGE OF MUSIC. Illustrates the need for close attention to the language of the musical score in understanding opera. Shows through musical examples the devices used by composers to indicate meanings which are not musical in nature. 3. STAGING THE OPERA. Describes the fundamental relationships existing between music staging, and words in the successful and meaningful production of an opera. Stresses the importance, on the part of the stage director and the actors, of understanding the language of music in arriving at staging procedures. 4. ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS OF OPERA. Discusses various techniques used in translating original operas into English. Stresses the relationship which exists between a knowledge of the English language and a knowledge of music in achieving good translation. 5. OPERATIC STORIES. Relates the significance of the stories of major operatic works as they apply to contemporary situations. Points out that operas are usually written for specific audiences, thus making it possible to concentrate on major aspects of the story. 6. METHODS OF ENSEMBLE SINGING. Describes various staging techniques used in effective ensemble singing. Supplements the discussion with demonstrations showing the importance of synchronization between music, singing, and acting.

Complete Record: Source: NET Interest level: c-ad Price: rent ea $4.75 Format: sd b&w

Metadata Source:Educational film guide. Supplements (1959-62)