Welcome to the Chorus

By Priya Radhakrishnan

In this time of self-isolation and quarantine, what better than to start an opera blog with a snippet on opera choruses! A chorus differs from a choir because their role extends beyond just singing the music to dramatic responsibilities - they are part of the story and the scenery. A great advantage of opera over spoken theatre is that the chorus brings “the people” on stage - the drama of Enlightenment liberalism demanded unified and organised voices to create a transformational effect.

In the 19th century, opera became a mainstream feature of commercial theatre, but freedom was not unconditional. Authorities feared a large chorus on stage representing the ‘voice of the people’ if it looked too much like a mob, potentially sparking political tension. Following the French Revolution, that’s exactly what opera did, with political struggle becoming the central theme of many operas; growing choruses were used to heighten the excitement. Modernist directors used the chorus not just to set the scene and further the protagonist’s narrative but to represent their inner thoughts, turmoils and apprehensions. Using a chorus that behaves in weird, twisted or immoral ways only highlights the virtuous morality of the hero. A happy chorus may also be the sign of a tragedy looming around the corner.

Watch The Bell Chorus from Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci. The chorus plays a troupe of actors who have just arrived in Calabria and are waiting for the vespers to begin while inviting the romance of the evening. Their joyful demeanour sets the scene of carefree town life and vocalising the bells makes them part of the story and not mere storytellers.

If you fancy revelling in more opera grandeur check out our Spotify playlist of famous opera choruses!