Why Baroque Opera is popular again

Once in a while, every generation revives an idea and attempts to make it their own. Today, that idea is the baroque opera. Works by Vivaldi, Handel, Rameau, Lully, Purcell, Gluck, and others are now being revived in opera theaters across the globe. From colleges, to smaller companies, to big names like The Metropolitan Opera and The National Opera of Paris, there is a growing fashion of reinventing the style of opera that was popular back in the 17th and early 18th century. Plus, there is also a need for playing and singing the scores as accurately as possible. Gut strings, baroque bows, and other period instruments are making a major comeback. But why is opera which involves a repetitive style so popular now? What makes it so unique?

Why is baroque opera making a comeback? My first theory is that these works are not set in stone or considered as "sacred". You see, back when this music was written, the composer had only two things on his mind. First was to please the soloists who would sing the work. Second was to entertain the audience. A composer would be given a story, often from greek or roman mythology. Then the opera would be composed, consisting of an overture, recitative, arias, choruses, and ballet suites. If a singer wanted a different aria, the composer would write a new one or take one from another opera or composer. There was copyright infringement longer than you would expect. There were even works that consisted of materials solely from previous operas put into a new libretto. The pastiche, as this method was called, has been popularized today by the Metropolitan Opera and their production of The Enchanted Island.

My second theory is that Baroque opera allows singers to show off. The vocal line for singers in scores only display the basic notation, but historically it is recorded that singers would often make ornamentation at every possible point. This tradition is still followed today. Singers in the Baroque era were often raised from a young age when they showed promise. This was especially true for young boy sopranos who were castrated to keep their voices high though out their life. This practice has been discontinued since the late 19th century. But we still have countertenors who take on the major roles. Stars like David Daniels, Anthony Roth Costanzo, and Andreas Scholl are just a few. Other great singers of Baroque repertoire include Danielle DeNiese, Joyce Di Donato, Renee Fleming, and Barbara Fritolli. These stars show off like its no one's business.

Lastly, my third theory is that there are no rules on how to interpret these works on stage. Directors can go with the classical approach of grand sets or go with a minimalist approach. You can go back in the day or go current day. Ive heard of a production of Handel's Giulio Cesare which is set in a modern day museum storage bay. The characters are all statues come to life, even a chorus of busts. Directors don't even need to have a serious take on the story or the arias. I am reminded of a production of Handel's Tolomeo at Glimmerglass where the characters act out the arias they sing. When Seleuce sings of gentle breezes blowing, an array of electric fans are placed in front of her and are turned on. I am even amazed at what directors are doing at my own school. I am currently playing in the pit for the Hofstra University production of Alcina. Instead of knights from the crusades, our heroes are special ops soldiers. But the story still gets told and thats what makes it all the more exciting.

My opinions of why Baroque opera is so popular again may not be the only ones. I encourage any readers who are well versed in music history and pop culture to leave a comment with your thoughts and opinions. Also, just any reader with an idea for an article or wanting to submit their own, go ahead and message me.