The Interpreters

Once an opera is created, a team of artists begins the process of transforming the words and music into a visual spectacle. These artists are called directors and designers. Their role is essential in interpreting the intentions of the composer and librettist.

Set design for BLO's Un ballo in maschera

The directors and designers develop an opera’s visual concept by first identifying the key themes. Then they engage in extensive research on the historical context for the work, including the clothing of the period and the culture of the society. Sometimes directors and designers choose to stay true to the history and setting of the work. Other times they elect to change the location or historical period of an opera. Either way, they are required to make countless decisions about everything from costumes to sets to the action on the stage.

Roles of the Artistic Team
The Stage Director is responsible for the action on the stage. This is accomplished by working with the singers for weeks before the performances, directing their movements and developing their individual characters.

The Music Director, also known as the conductor, interprets the music of the opera and rehearses it with the singers and the orchestra. During rehearsal the music is shaped to express different moods of the opera. For example, the conductor decides how fast or slow (tempo) and how loudly and softly (dynamics) the music is played.

The Set Designer designs the scenery for the opera.

The Lighting Designer manipulates the lights to create effects which help set the mood and complement the action on stage. The Costume Designer creates the clothes that the singers will wear on stage. The Choreographer is responsible for creating and directing any dancing that takes place in the opera.

Continue Reading...

The Elements of Opera...
The Creators...
The Interpreters...
The Performers...