MUTH 232/3.0 Opera

An introduction to opera through the study of selected works and excerpts from the Baroque era to the 21st century. Musical, dramatic and literary aspects will be explored.

We will examine the intriguing world of opera from multiple perspectives, including cultural, historical and analytical. We will explore production aspects such as staging, costumes and lighting; and musical aspects with a special emphasis on singers.

General overviews of Early opera and 20th century opera, both set within their respective cultural contexts, will frame detailed thematic examinations of specific operas by Mozart, Bizet, Verdi, Puccini and Strauss.

Learning Outcomes

Over the course of the term students should:

• develop an appreciation of this rich performance art form by learning how to identify and distinguish various genres and staging approaches
• be able to summarize opera’s function in changing cultural contexts since the late 16th century and appraise its current cultural role
• be able to apply a vocabulary of operatic terms and various analytic approaches in the study of individual scenes or entire works
• undertake primary research for a presentation that will require engaging with material in an evaluative, comparative and analytic manner

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Experiential Learning Opportunities are an integral and unique component of the BISC educational experience. We will prepare for each off-site ELO through discussion and preparatory assignments. Previous examples of ELOs for this course include attending live operas in London at The Royal Opera House and the English National Opera, taking backstage tours of The Royal Opera House and Glyndebourne Opera, participating in creative workshops, and taking part in seminars with professionals from the opera industry.