Music Appreciation Course: Opera

Music. Learn, enjoy, appreciate.

This opera course provides a guide to the appreciation and enjoyment of opera for the beginner, as well as a deeper exploration of the history and elements of opera for the more experienced listener. We will explore the history, forms and structures of opera, considering the work of composers such as Mozart, Wagner, Verdi and Puccini, and listening to performances by some of the great singers. No prior musical knowledge is necessary.

Outcomes

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

• list some of the elements of opera
• list some opera composers
• list some operas and name the musical period they come from.

Content

This course covers the following topics:

• what is opera
• The birth of opera: (1590-1700)
• Librettos and Librettists
• Baroque Opera (1700-1750)
• the operatic voice
• Classical Opera (1750-1810)
• arias, ensembles and choruses
• Romantic Opera I (1810-1840)
• great singers: The Women
• Romantic Opera II (1840-1890), Italy and France
• great singers: The Men
• Romantic Opera II (1840-1890), Germany and Russia
• going to the opera
• late Romantic Opera (1890-1920)
• outside the boundaries
• Twentieth Century opera (1920 onwards).

Intended audience

Designed for fans of classical music, beginners and experienced listeners alike. No prior musical knowledge is necessary.

Delivery style

This course will be richly illustrated with musical examples, illustrations and video clips. The tutor will use the piano to demonstrate musical concepts to the everyday listener. Questions will be encouraged and there will be room for discussion throughout the course.

Materials

Handouts will be provided in class.