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the origins of opera

With this site, we trace our way back to the Renaissance, when Gregorian Chant was all the rage in the Vatican. Music was deeply entwined within the religious life, and was one of the primary vehicles of expression for those in the religious order. How did the transition from chant to opera occur? One factor was the initiatives taken by church authorities, who were dissatisfied with the traditional chants, and thus sponsored these examples of the more majestic polyphony that developed. Although there are no sound clips, the artwork enlivens your experience at this online exhibit.

Tue, 15 Feb 2000 09:48:37 -0800

Submitted by: Allison Conner