"It seems to me opera is just as relevant as an expressive art as anything else"
- Carlisle Floyd
About this Quote
Carlisle Floyd, a distinguished American opera composer, made considerable contributions to the landscape of American symphonic music. When he asserted, "It seems to me opera is just as relevant as an expressive art as anything else," he addressed both the long-lasting significance of opera and the apprehension frequently faced by conventional art forms in modern society.
Opera, with its rich history going back to the late 16th century, has typically been considered as a grandiose and elitist art kind. Yet, through this declaration, Floyd advocates for opera's continued importance. He recommends that, like any other meaningful medium-- be it literature, movie, or contemporary art-- opera encapsulates a full spectrum of human feelings, experiences, and cultural stories. The combination of music, lyrics, theatrical staging, and visual arts makes opera a multidimensional experience, efficient in deep emotional effect and storytelling.
Floyd's assertion highlights the adaptability of opera. Regardless of its historic roots, opera evolves with time. Modern composers and directors often bring modern themes and ingenious staging to operatic efficiencies, addressing existing social, political, and individual problems. This flexibility enables opera to stay relevant for new audiences, breaking down barriers of availability and relevance that it might typically face.
In addition, Floyd highlights opera's expressionistic power. Opera has the ability to convey complicated feelings and narratives in manner ins which can go beyond language and cultural barriers. With the human voice as its core instrument, opera brings a raw authenticity and emotional depth that resonates with audiences, echoing experiences both universal and deeply personal.
In declaring the relevance of opera as a meaningful art, Floyd requires a recognition of its capability to progress and reflect the human condition. By doing so, he advocates for a more comprehensive appreciation of how opera continues to add to our understanding of art and ourselves, positioning it together with any art type that seeks to tell the human experience.
About the Author