Opera

Gianni Schicchi

           

An opera, is “an extended dramatic composition, in which all parts are sung to instrumental accompaniment, that usually includes arais, choruses, and recitatives, and that sometimes includes ballet.” (dictionary.com) Operas date back to the Roman revivals during the Renaissance period and have evolved through the years with the addition of technology and improved creative direction being the basis of its development. (historyworld.net)

On December 14^th, 1918 the premiere of “Gianni Schicchi” debuted at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, NY. This opera takes place in Florence, Italy during 1299 and was taken from a passage from Dante’s Inferno. The basis of the opera surrounds the theme of a man named Buiso Donati who had recently died. His family members intended to pay tribute to him, until they found out that he left a will. Unfortunately, it wasn’t for them and instead was given to the monks in Santa Reparata. In the meantime, there was a love affair being frowned upon, between Rinuccio and a girl named Lauretta, which in fact was a plan to help get the will.  With this being set aside, a man named Gianni Schicchi was brought along to fake that Donati was still alive. This was just an effort to regain ownership of the will.  In the end, the two “lovers” were able to marry, and Gianni Schicchi was unethically given the mule, the house, and the mills. 

The majority of the opera took place in a “bedroom” scene with Buiso Donati’s family surrounded around him. The technology used included a movable bed and even a background that depicted a city in the distance. Even though the lighting wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, the use of a single floodlight sure helped keep the play simple and not overshadowed by unnecessary light. This show, in my opinion must have been unique for its time especially due to the comedic aspect of the performance. Even though comedy is very popular nowadays, this opera received many positive reviews when it first came out. It seemed to be something very different than the generic opera at that time, which in my opinion interested many people to go see it.

This specific piece of opera, just like any opera written, plays a very important role in the evolution of art through the years. While watching this opera, I discovered a song that truly stood out compared to the others. It is called, O mio babbino caro, (“Oh My Beloved Father”) and is performed when Lauretta is begging her father to let her stay with Rinuccio even if stress was being brought up. With this being said, this song, as well as the opera Gianni Schicchi are still being “remembered” in the modern day era of art. Art is anything creatively done or put together with the effort to show a bold statement or message to others. This can range from a theatrical performance all the way up to a musical concert performed by legendary bands. The song, O mio babbino caro, has been played before every single one of Coldplay’s new, “A Head Full of Dreams” tour shows. It has also been in commercials for Halloween Horror Nights, at Universal Orlando Resort, which is done by a very artistic team of creative individuals. These two examples help show that even though opera has dated back many years, it still has a physical impact on many artistic events today.

If I were to be a director in the 21^st century, this opera could easily be put into a video game that would interest the modern generation. This would be a single player, action-horror adventure game where the person playing has full control of the decisions being made by the protagonist. Buiso Donati has come back from the dead to confront those who have “wronged” him and in this case you are the one his spirit is after. The goal is to venture through his old and deranged town where is entity still hovers. During each level, the goal is to get through the evil spell that has been set on the character the “player” portrays. This includes anything from fighting off a ward of sinister minions that have been brought forth, to finding clues and escaping a paranormal ridden room, or even facing the man himself, Buiso Donati, in an ultimate final battle. Nowadays, people have an increased interest in horror. This game is going to help set the tone for horror and give a very eerie feel for whoever may decide to play.

Gianni Schicchi, as shown is a very interesting opera that has evolved through the years. Similar to other operas, it is still remembered and shown today, but most certainly has a more modernized feel which relates to the generation of its viewers. Operas in general have been a very important part of the history and could be considered to be one of the very first forms of proper entertainment. It has been a basis for many things today and without the start of “opera” our modern day artistic culture would most certainly not be where it is.