Verismo (Italian for “realism”) opera is a type of opera that emerged in Italy in the late 19th century, characterized by its realistic and gritty subject matter, and a focus on everyday people and their struggles. Verismo opera originated from an Italian literary movement of the same name. Verismo opera sought to portray ordinary people… Read More
Composers
The Role of Music in Wagner’s ‘Lohengrin’: A Look at the Composer’s Innovative Techniques
“Lohengrin” is a German opera in three acts, composed and written by Richard Wagner. It was first performed in 1850 in Weimar and is based on a medieval German legend. The opera is considered one of Wagner’s masterpieces and is known for its sweeping orchestrations, soaring melodies, and powerful vocal performances. The opera tells the… Read More
Notable black figures in the world of opera during the 18th and 19th centuries
The field of opera libretto writing has been traditionally dominated by white, male composers. However, there were some notable black figures in the world of opera and born in the 18th and 19th centuries who made significant contributions in the field of performance and composition. William Henry Brown (1815-1884) was an African American actor, singer,… Read More
Thoughts on Ukraine
What scene is this?—is this indeed humanity—these butchers’ shambles? There they lie, in the largest, in an open space in the woods, from 200 to 300 poor fellows—the groans and screams—the odor of blood, mixed with the fresh scent of the night, the grass, the trees—that slaughter-house! – from Specimen Days by Walt Whitman (1819–1892) … Read More
Josef Gabriel Rheinberger, organist and composer
Josef Gabriel Rheinberger, born in Lichtenstein March 17, 1839, was a respected pianist, organist, and composer. Rheinberger was involved in the performances of Wagner‘s “Tristan und Isolde” and “Die Meistersinger” by the Royal Opera. Josef Rheinberger began serving as an organist in a Lichtenstein church at the age of 7. Rheinberger attended the Munich Conservatorium,… Read More
IPA Paired – Repurposing music for productivity
IPA Paired is a happy hour blog series by the IPA Source office staff – business manager Nora and tech manager Eric. While skillful at keeping IPA Source running well, Nora & Eric have no formal music background, unless you consider their time in high school band! Today’s post was inspired by the New… Read More
Happy birthday, Ludwig van Beethoven
German composer and pianist Ludwig van Beethoven was baptized on December 17, 1770, so it is likely he was born a few days prior to that date. As one of the most recognized composers in music history, his works are still some of the most frequently performed classical pieces to this day. Beethoven’s work spans… Read More
Featured composer: Richard Wagner
Wilhelm Richard Wagner (Richard Wagner), born May 22, 1813 and died February 13, 1883, was a German conductor, polemicist, dramatic composer and theorist. Wagner had a revolutionary influence over the course of Western music. Unique to most opera composers is the fact that Wagner wrote both the libretto and music for each of his stage… Read More