Member-only story

Real Men Don't Sing? Uncovering the Masculinity Crisis in Opera

Marcus Bell

·3.9k Followers· Follow

Published in Real Men Don T Sing: Crooning In American Culture (Refiguring American Music)

6 min read

565 View Claps

58 Respond

Save

Listen

In the realm of classical music, opera stands as a testament to the power and beauty of the human voice. Yet, for many, this art form is associated with femininity and elegance, a perception that has long influenced the roles that men play both on and off the stage.

For centuries, the world of opera has been dominated by men, with the most celebrated roles often going to male singers. From the heroic tenors of the Romantic era to the brooding baritones of Verdi's masterpieces, the male voice has been the backbone of opera's dramatic narratives.

Real Men Don't Sing: Crooning in American Culture (Refiguring American Music)

by Allison McCracken

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	10042 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	448 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

However, beneath this façade of masculine dominance lies a complex and often contradictory relationship between masculinity and opera. This article explores the societal expectations and stereotypes that have contributed to the perception that "real men don't sing," and examines the challenges and opportunities facing male opera singers in breaking down these barriers and redefining masculinity in the world of classical music.

The Historical Context

The roots of the masculinity crisis in opera can be traced back to the Enlightenment period, when the art form emerged as a symbol of refinement and sophistication. In this era, men were expected to be stoic and rational, qualities that were seen as incompatible with the expressive and emotional nature of singing.

This bias against male singers was further reinforced by the rise of the castrato phenomenon in the 18th century. Castrati, male singers who had been castrated at a young age to preserve their high vocal range, became the preferred choice for many leading roles in opera. Their virtuosic technique and feminine appearance reinforced the notion that singing was an activity best suited for those who deviated from traditional masculine norms.

Even after the decline of castrati, the stigma attached to male singers persisted. In the 19th century, the advent of the Romantic movement brought with it a new emphasis on emotional expression, but this did little to change the perception that singing was an unmanly pursuit.

The 20th Century and Beyond

The 20th century witnessed a gradual shift in attitudes towards male singers. The popularity of operatic tenors such as Enrico Caruso and Plácido Domingo challenged the notion that singing was incompatible with masculinity. These singers possessed both vocal prowess and charismatic stage presence, demonstrating that men could be both virile and expressive.

However, the progress made during this period was hampered by the continued prevalence of stereotypes in opera. Male singers were often typecast in roles that reinforced traditional notions of masculinity, such as the strong and silent hero or the swaggering villain.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement among male opera singers to challenge these stereotypes and redefine masculinity in the world of classical music. This movement is characterized by an increasing diversity of roles for male singers, as well as a growing willingness to explore the emotional and vulnerable side of masculinity.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the progress that has been made, male opera singers still face a number of challenges. The perception that singing is an unmanly pursuit persists in some quarters, and this can make it difficult for young men to feel comfortable pursuing a career in opera.

Another challenge facing male opera singers is the limited number of leading roles available to them. In many operas, the most significant roles are reserved for female singers, leaving male singers with a smaller pool of opportunities to showcase their talents.

Despite these challenges, there are also a number of opportunities for male opera singers to make a meaningful contribution to the world of opera. The growing diversity of roles for male singers allows them to explore a wider range of characters and emotions. Additionally, the increasing popularity of opera in new markets, such as Asia and South America, is creating new opportunities for male opera singers from around the world.

The question of whether real men sing or not is a complex one that has been debated for centuries. While societal expectations and stereotypes have long influenced the perception of opera as an unmanly pursuit, there is a growing movement among male opera singers to challenge these stereotypes and redefine masculinity in the world of classical music.

By embracing a more inclusive and diverse approach to masculinity, opera can become a more welcoming and fulfilling art form for both men and women. The voices of male opera singers, with their unique combination of strength and sensitivity, have much to offer the world, and it is time for us to embrace them fully.

Real Men Don't Sing: Crooning in American Culture (Refiguring American Music)

by Allison McCracken

4.9 out of 5