Opera Critique: Moïse et Pharaon (Moses and Pharaoh) by Gioachino Rossini
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A detailed critique of the Rossini’s opera performance
The Rossini opera’s performance demonstrates a range of musical elements and artistic work of Rossini while narrating the biblical story of Israelite’s exodus from Egypt. Notably, the performers can brilliantly and carefully utilize the stage and their musical instruments. When demonstrating how the Israelites were chained per the order by the Egyptian king, the performers decide to use low voices and moderately soft voices that show the pains by the Israelites. Besides, the performers demonstrate a clear understanding of the theme by allowing Moses to put different facial expressions for different occasions. For instance, before the Israelites pass the red sea, the actors play their musical accompaniments in harmony and rhythmically depicting a unified course. Still, their faces and vocals illustrate some danger. On the contrary, their triumphal passing of the red sea and the drowning of the pharaoh’s army influence the performers to brighten their faces as well as their voices.
Rossini permits the performers to use varied musical instruments to enrich the opera and the message. Among the most exciting and apparent musical elements in Rossini’s opera “Moise et Pharaon” is the harmony and blending between the vocalists and the instruments. Notably, the viewer can see the players and their devices while hearing every voice, including bass, soprano, tenor, and mezzo-soprano. Also, the players of all the instruments can arguably listen and balance the musical pitches and tones for clarity and audibility without distorting the intended message in every part of the opera.
Of importance, the performance can connect the culture and the intended message and themes, including love and leadership. For instance, Amenofi and his lover demonstrate their love by the use of cool voices with balanced pitches that soothes their love. Nonetheless, the performance lacks some innovation in terms of costumes to perfectly fit the ancient times and culture. As such, the costumes may predict a dull event despite the event having some graceful instances. However, Rossini’s opera presents an informative and creative play that attempts to harmoniously use various musical instruments to enrich the play and the entire story.