La serva padrona: Pergolesi’s Music

Celebrating his 300th birthday in 2010, Pergolesi is of ancient myths, legends and royalty as the basis for remembered for his tremendous contribution to the operas. Musically, Pergolesi’s attempt of more seamless development of the comedic opera tradition with his transitions between recitatives and arias, the repetition intermezzo*, La serva padrona. In addition to sparking a of melodic phrases, and more challenging writing for the great debate over the merits and artistry of Italian opera singers became the foundation of the pre-Classical style. buffa (comic opera), La serva padrona bridges the gap between the Baroque** and Classical*** compositional Though his fame was mainly secured by La serva padrona, styles. The changing composition of opera audiences Pergolesi’s compositional output included a number of from aristocracy to the developing middle class resulted secular instrumental works as well as some sacred pieces. in a shift of subject matter as opera began to reflect the Legend has it that he died having just completed his interests of its new audience. The story’s commentary on Stabat Mater, a musical setting of a liturgical hymn. This contemporary society and the use of “everyday” characters emotionally expressive work would provide great inspiration was a change from the Baroque era’s distinctive treatment for sacred compositions in the latter half of the 18th century.

*Intermezzo: **Baroque period: ***Classical period: A short comedic opera A period of time in music A period of time in music history that is normally done between the history that is generally generally thought to begin around 1730 acts of a serious opera to thought to begin around and end in 1815. Classical opera was lighten the mood. They were 1600 and end in 1750. performed on a larger stage and with a often elaborately staged with Baroque operas were large orchestra that included brass, wind, costumes, set, and staging. performed in small theaters string and percussion instruments. Since This convention began in with a small orchestra of the orchestra was louder, singers were the early 18th century but string instruments. The plots required to project a bigger sound. The today intermezzos are usually centered on myths and epic stories focused on “real-life” characters performed individually or tales. Famous composers and interactions versus myths and legends paired with other short in this time period included favoured in the Baroque era. Mozart and operas. Vivaldi, Bach and Handel. Haydn are two of the most well known composers of the Classical era.

Written by Katherine Semcesen, senior manager, education and outreach at the COC, and Tamara Newberry, teacher candidate, Faculty of Education, Queen’s University (2010).

Canadian Opera Company ~ Education and Outreach ~ La serva padrona Study Guide 2009/2010 ~ coc.ca ~ 416-306-2392