Q1) a) Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow. Opera refers to a dramatic art form, originating in Europe, in which the emotional content is conveyed to the audience as much through music, both vocal and instrumental, as it is through the lyrics. By contrast, in musical theater an actor’s dramatic performance is primary, and the music plays a lesser role. The drama in opera is presented using the primary elements of theater such as scenery, costumes and acting. However, the words of the opera, or libretto, are sung rather than spoken. i) What are the different elements of a theater? ii) What else is conveyed to the audience apart from music? iii) What is libretto, how is it different from speaking? iv) How is a musical theater different from an opera? v) Give the antonym for ‘contrast’.
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Answer:
Opera refers to a dramatic art form, originating in Europe, in which the emotional content is conveyed to the audience as much through music, both vocal and instrumental, as it is through the lyrics. By contrast, in musical theater an actor's dramatic performance is primary, and the music plays a lesser role. The drama in opera is presented using the primary elements of theater such as scenery, costumes, and acting. However, the words of the opera, or libretto, are sung rather than spoken. The singers are accompanied by a musical ensemble ranging from a small instrumental ensemble to a full symphonic orchestra.
756. It is pointed out in the reading that opera
(a) has developed under the influence of musical theater
(b) is a drama sung with the accompaniment of an orchestra
(c) is not a high-budget production
(d) is often performed in Europe
757. We can understand from the reading that
(a) people are captivated more by opera than musical theater
(b) drama in opera is more important than the music
(c) orchestras in operas can vary considerably in size
(d) musical theater relies above all on music
758. It is stated in the reading that
(a) acting and costumes are secondary to music in musical theater
(b) many people find musical theater more captivating than opera
(c) music in musical theater is not as important as it is in opera
(d) an opera requires a huge orchestra as well as a large choir