Romantic Opera and Hard Rock

The Hard Rock band Led Zeppelin shares musical characteristics with the Romantic Opera composers Giuseppe Verdi. The Led Zeppelin was created in the 1968 out of the demise of the Yarbirds. Jimmy Page, the lead guitarist of Led Zeppelin, was the driving force of the band’s early days, as he was one of the most demanded guitarists in England. Led Zeppelin’s music may be described as a fusion of blues, English folk, and a more modern take on rock n’ roll. This mixture is widely considered as the basis of hard rock music and was furthered by Jimmy Page’s strong guitar riffs, and Robert Plant’s piercing vocals. As Led Zeppelin altered rock n’ roll into a new form, so too did Verdi adapt traditional Italian opera, integrating scenes and unifying acts (A&E). Verdi’s lack of schooling and refinement have given him criticism, but also accentuates the intricate simplicity of his pieces. His ear for melody and knack for drama are what set his music apart from that of others. Despite their different influences and backgrounds, similarities may be found between Led Zeppelin and Verdi in respect to melody, and harmony. These similarities are most evident when comparing Led Zeppelin’s “In my time of dying” and “Stairway to Heaven” with Verdi’s “La Traviata” and “Rigoletto.”