This is not my U******E: The use of film and A/V elements as a pivot role in contemporary opera.

Massimiliano Vizzini

About this exposition

This research explores the integration of film as a dramaturgical element within contemporary opera, with a specific focus on its role in shaping narrative, character development, and audience perception. Over the course of two years, I have investigated the compositional and theatrical possibilities that emerge when opera, A/V elements and film interact, aiming to expand the expressive potential of these mediums. Structured in three different cycles, this paper examines the evolving relationship between live musical performance, electronic music composition, and visual storytelling. Through a combination of desk research, artistic experimentation, and practical composition—drawing insights from the creative processes of composers such as Michel van der Aa, Richard Ayres, Sivan Eldar, and others—this research highlights the challenges and opportunities of hybrid opera-film formats. The findings demonstrate that film can serve not only as an aesthetic addition but as a fundamental component of dramaturgy, capable of deepening character psychology and reinforcing musical structures. Additionally, the research reveals the complexities of balancing digital and organic elements in opera, contributing to a broader understanding of contemporary music-theater composition. Through this process, I gave myself the freedom to experiment as much as possible and learn by observing from composers and artists who stimulated and inspired my creativity. As a result, this paper has culminated in the development of This is not my U******E (2024-2025), a new opera production for soprano, baritone, sinfonietta and A/V elements.

type	research exposition
keywords	Contemporary opera, Film, Multimedia, Dramaturgy, Audiovisual, Opera, Singers, interdisciplinary performance, electronic music, Michel van der Aa
date	03/11/2025
published	03/11/2025
last modified	03/11/2025
status	published
affiliation	Codarts, University for the Arts
copyright	(c) Massimiliano Vizzini
license	All rights reserved
language	English
url	https://www.researchcatalogue.net/view/3966262/3966263
published in	Codarts
portal issue	Codarts Artistic Research Reports.
external link	www.codarts.nl

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This is not my U******E: The use of film and A/V elements as a pivot role in contemporary opera. (2025)

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name	Massimiliano Vizzini - Artistic Research Report
copyright	(c) Massimiliano Vizzini
license	All rights reserved
usages	pdf