Visualization of Instrumental Scenes in Opera Performances
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31318/0130-5298.2024.50.349627Keywords:
musical theater, opera performance, instrumental scenes, visualizationAbstract
Relevance of the study. In the 21st century, musical theatre undergoes rapid artistic and technological shifts shaped by digital innovation and transformed audience expectations. Within this context, instrumental scenes of opera productions gain increasing importance: they no longer serve merely as structural interludes but become significant vehicles for intensifying narrative expression, psychological depth, and visual impact in contemporary opera.
Scientific novelty and objectives. The novelty of the study lies in a comprehensive examination of instrumental scenes as independent objects of visual direction and in identifying their modern transformations through the synthesis of traditional expressive means and advanced digital technologies. The main objective is to determine effective artistic and innovative strategies for staging various instrumental episodes according to their dramaturgical function in opera.
Methodology. The research applies structural–dramaturgical analysis to classify instrumental scenes and define their functions; comparative analysis to distinguish historical and modern approaches; and directing/scenographic analysis to reveal mechanisms of visual realization. The study is based on detailed examination of selected productions that employ choreographic plasticity, multimedia, VR/AR tools, lighting palettes, and scenographic design. Comparing these examples allows identification of specific techniques that expand semantic density and enhance the dramaturgical significance of instrumental fragments.
Results and conclusions. The study establishes a consistent differentiation of instrumental scenes—overtures, introductions, preludes, entr’actes, interludes, postludes, choreographic and “silent” scenes—and outlines their contemporary stage interpretations. It demonstrates that the integration of plastic movement, media projection, holography, dynamic light-color scoring, and elements of digital theatre enriches dramaturgy, increases performative dynamism, and generates new modes of operatic expression. The conclusions highlight the trend toward a syncretic fusion of traditional and innovative expressive means and indicate promising directions for further research on the influence of digital technologies on opera in the 21st century.
Significance. The findings are valuable for musicology, directing studies, theatre pedagogy, and opera production practice, offering a theoretical foundation for rethinking the role of instrumental scenes within today’s visually oriented musical theatre.
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