Tag Archives: ensembles

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Written by Neil Kurtzman | 22nd July 2021

The title refers to aria, duet, trio, quartet, quintet, and sextet. I’ve picked examples of each that I feel should be at the top of any short list for the best yet composed. Readers can make their own list.  D’amor sull’ali rosee from Act 4 of Verdi’s Il Trovatore is the last bel canto soprano…

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Viva Rossini!

Written by Neil Kurtzman | 9th July 2019

During his active phase as an opera composer Gioachino Rossini (1792-1968) was the most popular composer of operas throughout the Western World. After his premature retirement from the stage at age 37, he was eclipsed in popularity first by Verdi and then by Puccini. For a while the only opera of his to be regularly…

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Opera Ensembles

Written by Neil Kurtzman | 28th June 2019

For the purposes of this article an ensemble is music set for more than two singers; they must be soloists. Thus, choruses are not included here. An alternate to the videos below is provided below each video. These links will allow the viewer to see the video even if it goes dark on YouTube. Trios…

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