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Introduction to German Opera

This course gives us an introduction to German Opera and the evolution of opera as well. It explores the concept of how music conveys the drama throughout the course.

You will understand how Wagner conveys the meaning of the opera through motives. It further explores musical gestures and how it helped various composers develop their style in opera as well. You will understand in detail the importance of orchestra in German Opera.

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Syllabus

Unit 1: Das Rheingold

This module introduces you to how Das Rheingold uses motives as an essential factor in conveying the drama. You will also learn the importance of the orchestra in German opera.

Unit 2: Mozart, Beethoven, Weber

This module explores the role of orchestra in German opera. It also focuses on some of the most prominent works of Carl Maria Von Weber.

Unit 3: Wagner

This module explores Wagner’s contribution to German opera and his distinctiveness in style and conveying the drama.

Unit 4: Twentieth-century German opera

This module explores Richard Strauss’ development and influences as a composer. You will also understand how music unfolds the drama in his work reiterating the importance of orchestra in German opera.

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Suitable for someone doing research in opera

Explores the evolution of opera

Provides detailed knowledge about the importance of the orchestra

Examines music in German opera and how it conveys drama

Focuses on the works of Carl Maria Von Weber

Uses motives as an essential factor in the course

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to German Opera with these activities:

Read 'The Opera Goer's Complete Guide' by Leo Melitz

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the history, composers, and operas of German opera.

View The opera goers' complete guide; comprising two... on Amazon

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Read the chapters covering German opera and its major composers.
Take notes on key concepts, composers, and operas.
Create a mind map or summary of the main themes and ideas from the book.

Complete multiple-choice quizzes on German opera terminology and history

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Test your knowledge and reinforce key concepts through interactive practice.

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Find online quizzes or create your own using platforms like Quizlet.
Take quizzes regularly to test your understanding of terms, composers, and historical events.
Review incorrect answers and research topics you need to strengthen.

Create a timeline of the development of German opera

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Build context by creating a timeline of the major events and figures in German opera history.

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Research the key composers, operas, and historical events related to German opera.
Create a visual timeline using a tool like TimelineJS or Google Sheets.
Include key dates, events, composers, operas, and brief descriptions.

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Watch online tutorials on the orchestra's role in German opera

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Enhance your understanding of the orchestra's significance in shaping German opera.

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Search for tutorials on platforms like YouTube or Coursera.
Watch videos that explain the orchestra's role in creating atmosphere, supporting vocals, and conveying emotions.
Take notes or summarize key points from the tutorials.

Create a comprehensive study guide for Unit 3: Wagner

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Reinforce your learning by organizing and reviewing key materials.

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Review lecture notes, readings, and other materials from Unit 3.
Identify key concepts, themes, and composers covered in the unit.
Create a study guide that includes summaries, outlines, and practice questions.

Attend a virtual study session on Wagner's 'Tristan und Isolde'

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Deepen your understanding of Wagner's iconic opera through peer discussion.

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Join an online study group or forum dedicated to 'Tristan und Isolde'.
Actively participate in discussions, sharing insights and asking questions.
Collaborate with peers to analyze the opera's music, characters, and themes.

Compose a short musical analysis of a specific Wagnerian motive

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Demonstrate your understanding of Wagner's use of motives by analyzing one in detail.

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Select a specific Wagnerian motive from an opera of your choice.
Analyze its musical structure, including its melody, rhythm, and harmony.
Discuss the motive's role in conveying the opera's drama and symbolism.
Write a short paper or create a presentation outlining your analysis.

Contribute to open-source projects related to German opera

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Deepen your knowledge and connect with the community by contributing to open-source projects.

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Identify open-source projects on platforms like GitHub that focus on German opera.
Review project documentation and identify areas where you can contribute.
Contribute code, documentation, or other resources to the project.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to German Opera will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Opera Conductor

Opera Conductors oversee all the musical elements of an opera production, including the orchestra, chorus, and soloists. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the role of music in conveying the drama in German opera. It also explores the importance of the orchestra in German opera and how music unfolds the drama in an opera.

See salaries and explore the career path for Opera Conductor

Opera Singer

Opera Singers perform lead and supporting roles in operas. This course may be useful for Opera Singers, as it explores the concept of how music conveys the drama throughout the course. It also explores how Wagner conveys the meaning of the opera through motives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Opera Singer

Composer

Composers create original music for operas, ballets, and other musical works. This course may be useful for Composers, as it explores the concept of how music conveys the drama in German opera. It also explores how Wagner conveys the meaning of the opera through motives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Composer

Music Director

Music Directors oversee the musical aspects of an orchestra, opera company, or other musical organization. This course may be useful for Music Directors, as it explores the role of music in conveying the drama in German opera. It also explores the importance of the orchestra in German opera and how music unfolds the drama in an opera.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director

Music Producer

Music Producers oversee the production of music recordings, including operas. This course may be useful for Music Producers, as it explores the history of German opera and the evolution of opera. It also explores the role of music in conveying the drama in German opera and how music unfolds the drama in an opera.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Producer

Music Librarian

Music Librarians maintain and organize music collections in libraries and other institutions. This course may be useful for Music Librarians, as it explores the history of German opera and the evolution of opera. It also explores the role of music in conveying the drama in German opera and how music unfolds the drama in an opera.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian

Music Teacher

Music Teachers teach music at all levels, from elementary school to college. This course may be useful for Music Teachers, as it explores the concept of how music conveys the drama in German opera. It also explores the importance of the orchestra in German opera and how music unfolds the drama in an opera.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

Arts Administrator

Arts Administrators manage the business and administrative aspects of arts organizations, such as opera companies. This course may be useful for Arts Administrators, as it explores the history of German opera and the evolution of opera. It also explores the role of music in conveying the drama in German opera and how music unfolds the drama in an opera.

See salaries and explore the career path for Arts Administrator

Opera Lighting Designer

Opera Lighting Designers design and create the lighting for opera productions. This course may be useful for Opera Lighting Designers, as it explores the history of German opera and the evolution of opera. It also explores the role of music in conveying the drama in German opera.

See salaries and explore the career path for Opera Lighting Designer

Music Critic

Music Critics write reviews and articles about music for newspapers, magazines, and other publications. This course may be useful for Music Critics, as it explores the history of German opera and the evolution of opera. It also explores the role of music in conveying the drama in German opera and how music unfolds the drama in an opera.

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Orchestra Manager

Orchestra Managers oversee the business and administrative aspects of orchestras. This course may be useful for Orchestra Managers, as it explores the history of German opera and the evolution of opera. It also explores the role of music in conveying the drama in German opera and how music unfolds the drama in an opera.

See salaries and explore the career path for Orchestra Manager

Opera Stage Manager

Opera Stage Managers oversee the technical aspects of opera productions, including the stage crew and scenery. This course may be useful for Opera Stage Managers, as it explores the history of German opera and the evolution of opera. It also explores the role of music in conveying the drama in German opera.

See salaries and explore the career path for Opera Stage Manager

Opera Dramaturg

Opera Dramaturgs research and write about operas, and work with directors and other members of the creative team to develop productions. This course may be useful for Opera Dramaturgs, as it explores the history of German opera and the evolution of opera. It also explores the role of music in conveying the drama in German opera.

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Opera Costume Designer

Opera Costume Designers design and create the costumes for opera productions. This course may be useful for Opera Costume Designers, as it explores the history of German opera and the evolution of opera. It also explores the role of music in conveying the drama in German opera.

See salaries and explore the career path for Opera Costume Designer

Opera Set Designer

Opera Set Designers design and create the sets for opera productions. This course may be useful for Opera Set Designers, as it explores the history of German opera and the evolution of opera. It also explores the role of music in conveying the drama in German opera.

See salaries and explore the career path for Opera Set Designer

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to German Opera.

The Encyclopedia of Film Composers

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This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of German opera, from its origins to the present day. It valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this important genre.

Introduction to German Opera

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What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

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Activities

Career center

Reading list

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