Title: Opera in the Movies

Opera in the Movies Intro

Let's Learn!

[Image: LA Opera Connects]

Let's Learn! Title

Introductory Questions

Digging Deeper Part 1

What do operas and movies have in common?
(For example: They both have lead characters.)

Digging Deeper Part 1

What’s your favorite movie? Why?

Digging Deeper Part 1

Which operas have you seen? Do you have a favorite?
(If you have not seen an opera, check out LA Opera Connects’ The Prospector or Figaro’s American Adventure.)

[Image: LA Opera Connects]

Let's Learn! Title

Let's Learn!

Angry Birds Instructions

First, watch this clip from The Angry Birds Movie (2016)
and answer the comprehension questions in the video.

Angry Birds Clip

An aria from the opera "Lakmé" by Léo Delibes just began as the background music.

Comprehension Check #1

Q: What are the characters doing when the aria starts?
- Flying
- Swimming (correct)
- Eating
- Driving

Comprehension Check #2

Q: What feeling does this aria create for the characters and the scene?
- Sad and depressed
- Angry and agitated
- Excited and energetic
- Calm and peaceful (correct)

Comprehension Check #3

Q: Which of these words best describes the feeling of the scene, after the characters discover what they have been swimming in?
- Disgust (correct)
- Joy
- Sadness
- Anger

Choose the correct statement.

Angry Birds Instructions 2

In the video you will hear the "Flower Duet" from Léo Delibes's opera Lakmé.
You may have heard this aria before since it has been used in many movies and TV shows.

Go to the next slide to continue this activity.

[Image: LA Opera Connects]

Digging Deeper Intro

Digging Deeper

The "Flower Duet" is an aria for two female singers, one soprano (a high voice) and one mezzo-soprano (a middle voice).
The lyrics of the aria are in French, but you can read the English translation below.

Go to the next slide to continue this activity.

[Image: LA Opera Connects]

Digging Deeper Part 1 Title

Digging Deeper
Question 1 of 6

Digging Deeper Part 1

In your own words, what do these lyrics mean? What is being described in the aria?
Do the lyrics sound calm, agitated, excited, or something else? Explain your response.

Go to the next slide to continue this activity.

[Image: LA Opera Connects]

Digging Deeper Part 1 Title

Digging Deeper
Question 2 of 6

Digging Deeper Part 2

Q: What does the word "nonchalant" mean?
If you need it, use a dictionary for help.
- Being separate or disconnected.
- The feeling or appearance of being casually calm and relaxed; not displaying anxiety, interest, or enthusiasm. (correct)
- Worried, uneasy, or nervous.
- Wanting to do or have something.

Go to the next slide to continue this activity.

[Image: LA Opera Connects]

Digging Deeper Part 1 Title

Digging Deeper
Question 3 of 6

[Image: Image A]

[Image: Image B]

Digging Deeper Part 3

Q: Which of the images on the right is a picture of jasmine? Use clues from the lyrics to make your selection.
- Image A
- Image B
- Image C
- Image D (correct)

Image A Text

Image A

Image B Text

Image B

[Image: Image C]

[Image: Image D]

Image C Text

Image C

Image D Text

Image D

Go to the next slide to continue this activity.

[Image: LA Opera Connects]

Digging Deeper Part 1 Title

Digging Deeper
Question 4 of 6

Digging Deeper Part 4

Are the lyrics a good fit with the sound of the music? Why or why not? What about the lyrics makes them a good fit (or not) with the sound of the music? Explain your response.

Go to the next slide to continue this activity.

[Image: LA Opera Connects]

Digging Deeper Part 1 Title

Digging Deeper
Question 5 of 6

Digging Deeper Part 5

Is this aria a good fit for this scene in The Angry Birds Movie?
Why or why not? Explain your response.

Go to the next slide to continue this activity.

[Image: LA Opera Connects]

Digging Deeper Part 1 Title

Digging Deeper
Question 6 of 6

Digging Deeper Part 6

Why do you think this aria was chosen for this scene?
(We acknowledge that it is a beautiful aria, but there are lots of
beautiful songs that could have been used for this scene.)

Why was an opera aria used? What does this aria bring with it?

Think about the way the music and lyrics make you feel before you explain your response.

Go to the next slide to continue this activity.

Digging Deeper

[Image: LA Opera Connects]

Opera in the Movies

Last Step

Digging Deeper Part 5

Just like we saw in The Angry Birds Movie, there are lots of movies that use opera arias in their soundtracks.
Write a short response discussing why you think that is. What does it bring to the scene?