The Comic Intermezzo
Performance Options
There are many options to choose from for an evening of comic fun. An intermezzo generally lasts between 30-60 minutes, so you may opt for:
- a 2 part program consisting of a 30 minute "comic introduction to The Comic Intermezzo" describing the art form and opera in the early 18th century. We sing examples from intermezzos and give explanations of what arias and recitatives are, etc., and what to listen for in the opera itself. We present it with the idea that the audience has never been exposed to opera. Then, there's a fifteen-minute intermission while we change into our costumes, followed by the opera itself.
- a work by Mozart or JS Bach which would make an ideal pairing with their contemporaries --Hasse and Sarri.
- pairing it with another opera.
Here are some ways we can perform this opera:
- Bring our own period instrument ensemble
- Use a local string quartet or quintet and we would bring our harpsichord player.
- Use a piano instead of a string quartet/quintet
- Use a local chamber ensemble
Other options to consider:
- Lecture/masterclass ideas: History of opera seria
- History of commedia dell'arte
- Comic opera in the 18 Century
- Influence of the comic intermezzo on the classical era
- Baroque ornamentation
- Recitatives
- Language/interpretation
- Stage presence/acting/moving
We are part of the Illinois Arts Tour which gives Illinois not-for-profit organizations grants from 30-50% of our fee. We are also part of the Arts Midwest which can fund not-for-profit organizations in the midwest 30% of our fee.