Opera Codes and Conventions

What is it?

Opera music originated in the 15th and 16th century in Italy. It is stylised as “an art form in
which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text and musical score,
usually in a theatrical setting. Therefore, opera singing is not only a form of a musical genre,
yet is also a movement which is related to the performing arts and entertainment business.
Operatic music typically is sung in Italian or other similar European languages such as
French, due to the fact that opera music was influential in these two countries (and also
because opera has Italian origins). For example, Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007) was
considered to be the most famous opera singer of all time.

Codes and conventions-

Within opera music, there can be considered to be two different sides to this genre. The
traditional style of opera and the modern style of opera, both of which are quite different.

One feature to opera music which is kept as a convention in both traditional and modern
opera is the use of Italian singing.

Old/ performance opera-

 Dramatic Costume-
The costume for the traditional style of opera tends to be related back to the historical
side of opera and the 15th century from which it originated. If this is not the case then the
costumes/outfits worn will be related back to the show which is being performed (1). For
example, in The Phantom of the Opera the lead male is shown in a suit with a mask, and
the lead female is shown often wearing an elegant white gown (2).

 Expressive make-up and styled hair-

For either the traditional style of opera or the performance side of opera the make-up
worn tends to be very expressive and dramatic. The reason for this is so that the different
personalities of the characters can be shown. For example, a charismatic character will
tend to be shown with flamboyant hair and bright make-up (3).

 Locations relevant to the play (stages)-

The stages in which these operatic performances are shown will often relate back to the
show/play which is being acted out. For example, in Madame Butterfly, which is an opera
set in Japan, the stage design is related to Japanese locations, such as a cherry blossom
garden (4).

Modern opera (and music video)

 Formal Attire-
The opera genre now is shown in music videos as very professional and clean cut,
meaning that the singers will be shown wearing formal attire. For example, a suit for a
man and a dress for a woman. In the video for “Nessun Dorma,” by Paravotti, he is
shown wearing a suit alongside with the pianist. (5) And in the music video for “Flower
Duet,” the women are shown wearing posh dresses which are both very formal, and are
 the type of dress that you would see on a red carpet back when it was recorded (6).

 Live performance-
Modern opera music video will tend to be recorded live from a performance at one of the
singers shows. As this is the case the music videos stay relatively simple and do not
include editing, other than a black and white filter and different camera angles
throughout. These angles will tend to focus on the singer, other composers, and the
audience (7).

 Live theatre band-

Music videos which are created from live performances will show the full orchestra band
which are often positioned behind the main singer also on the stage. This will not
however be the case in a traditional opera as these types of operas focus more on the
play, and the operatic band will usually be out of sight (8).