The Evolution of Languages in Opera: Why and How They Changed

Opera, as an art form, has its roots deeply embedded in the cultural and linguistic heritage of European cities. Its evolution in terms of language choice is not only a reflection of historical and socio-political contexts but also of the changing preferences of audiences and the creators of these operas.

The Birthplace of Opera: Italy

Opera was born in Italy around 1600, emerging as a product primarily for noble classes and aristocrats. From its inception in Florence and Venice, the language chosen for opera was Italian, considered the language of the elite for singing. Italian retained its status in opera until the late eighteenth century, outselling other languages and remaining the favored choice for courtly performances and theatrical productions.

Spread and Language Predominance

As opera spread beyond its initial regions, this linguistic preference extended. Italian was deemed the best for singing, and most operas continued to be composed and performed in this language. This dominance was further solidified by the Romantic period, which saw an influx of Italian operas due to the prolific output of Italian composers such as Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, Verdi, and Puccini.

Emergence of German and French Operas

By the early nineteenth century, the landscape of opera began to diversify. German and French operas emerged as significant contributions to the art form. German operas gained acceptance, and works like Der Freischütz by Carl Maria von Weber are often cited as marking the beginning of the "romantic" era in opera. Other German composers followed, including Richard Wagner, known for his works such as Tannh?user and Parsifal.

Similarly, French opera also flourished, with significant contributions coming from famous composers like Bizet and Massenet. Many of these operas were written in their native languages, reflecting a growing preference for local cultural expressions in the performing arts.

Changes in the Twentieth Century

The latter half of the twentieth century brought about significant changes in the language landscape of opera. The number of Italian operas declined sharply, while operas in other languages, such as English, French, and German, became more prominent. English opera particularly saw a rise in popularity after World War II, becoming the dominant language for new compositions. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including the perceived need for operas to resonate with broader audiences and the influence of mass media and education, which often propagated English as a global language.

Adaptation and Translation in the Modern Era

The advent of translation and the adaptation of operas to various languages continued into the twentieth century. Particularly noteworthy is the use of surtitles, a practice that began in the 1970s at the Canadian Opera Company and has since become almost universally adopted. Surtitles now project the text of the opera above the proscenium arch or on a screen behind the audience, enabling understanding of the performance even for non-English speakers.

Notably, the Metropolitan Opera (The Met) in New York City exemplifies this trend. Initially, The Met primarily presented operas in German, including works translated from Italian. Later, it focused on Italian performances, including commissioned works and German operas. By the 1920s, the Met shifted to original language performances, showcasing the changing audience preferences and the evolution of the genre.

Contemporary Trends and Insights

According to an extensive review of over 500 video recordings of operas on DVD and Blu-ray from various periods in history, 36 works are in Italian, 25 in German, 16 in French, and 13 in English. This distribution highlights the ongoing impact of these languages on the opera world, with English now overwhelmingly the dominant language for new works, followed by French and German.

Conclusion

The evolution of languages in opera is a testament to the genre's adaptability and its ongoing relevance. It reflects changing cultural and linguistic landscapes, shifting audience preferences, and the enduring appeal of this art form. As opera continues to evolve, the languages in which it is written and performed will undoubtedly continue to adapt, mirroring the dynamic nature of our global cultural heritage.