Instructions: Please respond to either Question 1 or 2 with an initial post of at least 150 words, using the textbook and links to sources provided below. Then post at least one substantive reply to another post in either section.
Question 1:Read and listen to at least the first few minutes of the following sources for these opera composers. Verdi, Wagner, and Puccini exerted a lot of influence upon opera in terms of making it more innovative, realistic, and even controversial. Speculate on how audiences may have reacted to the work of these composers. Which of these three would you rather listen to?
Sources:
Textbook chapter 30 (pp XXXXXXXXXX), Wagner and Verdi; (pp XXXXXXXXXX), Puccini
Wagner video of a stage production (Tristan und Isolde) at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAEkTK6aKUM
Verdi, Trovatore, Anvil Chorus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZN01_pAxro
Verdi, La Traviata
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJzRzdsGhC0
Puccini video clip of stage production (Tosca) at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sSoKbv46zc
Question 2:After reading the textbook concerning the American Civil War (pp XXXXXXXXXX), and the Gettysburg Speech text (p. 981), and viewing the two short video clips concerning the Gettysburg Address, discuss Lincoln and the content of this speech. Do you think people appreciated this speech at the time it was delivered as much as people do today? What are your favorite or most memorable parts of this speech?
Sources:Opera and Society; Gettysburg Address
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address (comments about)
http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/gettysburg-address
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address (speech)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvA0J_2ZpIQ