The Historical Relationship of Opera and Power

An enthralling analysis of opera’s history, spanning the XVI and XVII centuries, featuring Gerardo Kleinburg and this episode’s special guests.

Over the course of centuries, opera has demonstrated an ability to adapt in order to appeal to different and contemporary generations. Presently, there’s several diverse interpretations, writers, and productions staged all around the world; nevertheless, the received idea of richness and luxuriance attached to its reputation goes way back to its roots.

How much of this history of sophistication and refinement is true? Gerardo Kleinburg clarifies this common assumption, supported by the insights of two distinguished guests: Eunice Padilla, the director of UNAM’s Academia de Música Antigua, and Horacio Franco, a renowned flutist.

This first episode of La ópera y el poder presents an overview of the origins of opera during the XVI century, the rapid dissemination of this new form of musical entertainment across Europe, and the wonderful complexity of its composition. Starting from the historical affiliation of opera, nobility and aristocracy, to the economic factors that influenced its creation, a full conversation on the most interesting aspects regarding to opera takes place on this concise yet comprehensive episode.

Gerardo Kleinburg, Eunice Padilla, and Horacio Franco guide the audience through a captivating commentary session on the evolution of opera and the continuous emergence of the genre as a vibrant and popular art form.

Text: María Fernanda Madrigal Munguía.

English title Opera and power in the XVI and XVII centuries
Original title La ópera y el poder en los siglos XVI y XVII
English series title The power and the opera
Original series title El poder y la ópera
Genre Documentary
Recording date 2022
Duration 31' 32''
Production Company TV UNAM
Producer Verónica Camberos, Alejandro Espinosa, Sonia Lailson, Alberto Sánchez, Mario David García.
Executive Producer Diana V. León Montero
TV Director Sergio Iván Trujillo Bolio
Camera Ángel Camacho, Rafael López, Adán Amaya.
Light Design Sergio González
English title of music work Claudio Moteverdi, ORFEO, L'INCORONAZIONE DI POPPEA ; Henry Purcell, DIDO Y ENEAS; W. A. Mozart, LAS BODAS DE FIGARO; Luzzasco Luzzaschi, AURORA SOAVE; Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, LA SERVA PADRONA.
Conductor Gerardo Kleinburg