The opera orchestra and great conductors in the 20th century

Abstract

During its history, the evolution of the orchestra has always been strongly connected to the development of instruments as well as to the evolution of vocal and instrumental genres in different epochs. In Opera, the role and the size of the orchestra have grown over time, from Romanticism and continuing through the 20th century, becoming the heart of drama itself. Its sonorities have been permanently enriched by exploring the resources of each instrument, the texture, and combinations of different timbres, all destined to intensify dramatic situations, deepen the inner life of the characters and valorize space. Here are some aspects of the opera’s orchestra evolution through the 20th century, its impact on vocalism, and the influence of the conductors in the destiny of lyrical theatre.