Expressions of vocality in romantic opera. Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner

Abstract

The vocal discourse found in the romantic opera complements the new philosophical and spiritual concepts following the development of the vocal technique of the opera singers. While a large number of roles could be explored in those terms, the demands placed upon body and voice are individual and each role of every opera is always distinct; Verdi and Wagner roles provide particularly valuable examples because of the complex intersection between a rich psychological framework for interpretative engagement and a complex vocal and bodily collaboration. The characters created in the works of Verdi and Wagner fit into new vocal and dramaturgical typologies influenced by the style of the French opera.