Pop Music Opera – A New Genre?
Contents
What is pop music opera? It’s a new genre that fuses the best of both pop music and opera. In this blog post, we explore what makes this new genre so special.
Introduction
Not all operas are grand and serious. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of opera companies commissioning works that are lighter in tone and appeal to a wider, more popular audience. These new operas, sometimes called pop music operas or crossover operas, often incorporate elements of pop music and popular culture into their stories and settings.
While such works have been met with mixed reactions from opera purists, they have been embraced by many opera companies as a way to attract new audiences and broaden the reach of opera. Here are some examples of pop music operas that have been staged in recent years:
-The Two Mrs. Carrolls (2019): This opera tells the story of Ruth and Paula Carroll, two women who married the same man, George Carroll. The story is set in the present day and includes references to popular culture, including reality TV and social media.
-Love about Last Night (2017): This opera tells the story of a couple navigating the ups and downs of their relationship. The score incorporates elements of R&B, hip hop, and pop music.
-The Girlfriend Experience (2016): This work explores the world of high-end escorts and the men who use their services. It includes explicit language and scenes of a sexual nature.
What is pop music opera?
Pop music opera is a genre of music that combines elements of pop music and opera. It is a relatively new genre, and there are not many widely-known examples of it. However, there are a few notable pop music operas that have been created in recent years.
One example of pop music opera is “The Marriage of Figaro” by Mozart. This opera was originally written in 1786, but it was not until 2006 that it was adapted into a pop music opera by Andre Previn. The new version of the opera was very successful and was praised by many critics.
Another example of pop music opera is “The Phantom of the Opera” by Andrew Lloyd Webber. This musical was originally written in 1986, but it was not until 1996 that it was adapted into a pop music opera by Michael Crawford. The new version of the musical was very successful and has been praised by many critics.
Pop music opera is a genre that is still in its infancy, but it has already shown great promise. It is possible that we will see more and more examples of this genre in the years to come.
The birth of pop music opera
In the early 1990s, a new genre was born. Pop Music Opera, or PMO, is a hybrid genre that combines elements of opera and pop music. PMO is characterized by its use of pop music styles and structures, as well as operatic elements such as vocal performance and theatricality.
The first pop music opera was probably 1992’s “The Phantom of the Opera” by Andrew Lloyd Webber. This musical tells the story of the Phantom, a masked man who lives in the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera House. The Phantom is in love with Christine, a young soprano who is being groomed for stardom by her mentor, Raoul. When Christine learns of the Phantom’s feelings for her, she is torn between her duty to Raoul and her growing attraction to the Phantom.
Since “The Phantom of the Opera,” there have been numerous other pop music operas, including “Evita” (1996), “Rent” (1996), “Les Misérables” (1998), “Mamma Mia!” (1999), and “The Producers” (2005). These musicals have all been incredibly successful, both commercially and critically.
Pop music opera is still a relatively new genre, but it has already had a major impact on musical theatre. For one thing, it has helped to broaden the appeal of opera to a wider audience. Pop music opera has also demonstrated that opera can be fun and accessible, without sacrificing artistry or emotional depth.
Examples of pop music opera
Pop music opera is a new and exciting genre that fuses the best of both worlds: pop music and opera. While there are many different styles of pop music opera, they all share a few common elements. Pop music opera often has catchy melodies, simple harmonies, and a focus on the human voice. The lyrics are usually about love, heartbreak, or other relatable topics. And because pop music opera is still a relatively new genre, there are many opportunities for new artists to experiment and create something truly unique.
Some examples of pop music opera include:
-The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber
-Carmen by Georges Bizet
-The Magic Flute by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The future of pop music opera
With the recent popularity of shows like Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen, it’s no wonder that people are wondering if pop music opera is here to stay. While it’s impossible to say for sure what the future holds, it seems safe to say that this new genre has a lot of potential.
For one thing, pop music opera has the ability to reach a wide audience. Unlike traditional opera, which can often be seen as stuffy and inaccessible, pop music opera is more relatable and easy to understand. This makes it much more likely to attract new fans, who might not have given opera a chance otherwise.
In addition, pop music opera often tackles contemporary issues in a way that traditional opera cannot. By setting operatic stories to modern pop songs, composers are able to address issues like mental health, addiction, and homophobia in a way that feels fresh and relevant. This can help opera appeal to young people who might not be interested in older, more traditional works.
Of course, only time will tell if pop music opera is truly here to stay. But with its ability to reach new audiences and tackle timely issues, it seems like this genre has a bright future ahead of it.
