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Thomas Forrest Kelly
In this breathtaking course, you'll get to know the music of two beautiful operas — both in their spellbindingartistry and colorful histories.
Read more
In this breathtaking course, you'll get to know the music of two beautiful operas — both in their spellbindingartistry and colorful histories.
Read more
In this breathtaking course, you'll get to know the music of two beautiful operas — both in their spellbindingartistry and colorful histories.
First, you'll travel to London in 1724, where George Frideric Handel premiered his most famous opera, Giulio Cesare. Meet the performers and experience what it was like to attend the first production, all while gaining an appreciation for the typical characteristics of Italian opera represented in this popular Baroque opera seria.
Then fast-forward 63 years to the Estates Theatre in Prague for the premiere of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s enduring classic, Don Giovanni. Learn about the challenges Mozart faced during the rehearsal process and the revolutionary relationship he created between music and drama in this opera.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/i3lcth/18th
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What's inside
Learning objectives
- How singers and the orchestra interact
- How performances of these works have changed since their premieres
- The basic structures of baroque opera
- Essential characteristics of classical music
- Mozart’s techniques for representing characters through music
- How to compare the social and cultural contexts of the two premieres
- How singers and the orchestra interact
- How performances of these works have changed since their premieres
- The basic structures of baroque opera
- Essential characteristics of classical music
- Mozart’s techniques for representing characters through music
- How to compare the social and cultural contexts of the two premieres
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Taught by Thomas Forrest Kelly, who is recognized for their work in Baroque and Classical music
Teaches learners how to compare the social and cultural contexts of the two premieres, which is useful for personal growth and development
Develops learners' foundational understanding of the essential characteristics of Classical music
Examines the relationship between music and drama in opera, which is highly relevant to theater students
Teaches learners how singers and the orchestra interact, which is core knowledge for singers and musicians
Teaches essential characteristics of Baroque opera, which is highly relevant for theater students
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Reviews summary
Opera's history unpacked
Learners say this course on 18th-century opera is a delightful and engaging experience, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the subject. With no musical knowledge required, the course explores the history and impact of Handel and Mozart's operas through the lens of an expert professor.
Uses anecdotes and storytelling to make the content more engaging.
"This is a light course of music appreciation, relayed in more of an anecdotal than academic fashion."
No prior musical knowledge is required.
"No musical knowledge is needed; although some details of music construction are covered, this is a light course of music appreciation, relayed in more of an anecdotal than academic fashion."
"If you don’t understand opera, you’ll probably come away with some idea of what’s going on; if you are a long-time music fan, chances are you’ll still hear something new."
Taught by a professor with deep expertise in opera.
"Thankful to have access to this course. It's engaging, fun, and I feel very lucky to have the chance to take a course on opera from one of the most knowledgeable experts in the world."
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 18th-Century Opera: Handel & Mozart with these
activities:
Review the basics of Italian opera
Show steps
Reviewing the basics of Italian opera will help you understand the historical context and musical conventions of Giulio Cesare.
Show steps
-
Read about the history of Italian opera.
-
Listen to recordings of famous Italian operas.
-
Attend a live performance of an Italian opera.
Review key concepts in music theory
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of basic music theory concepts like scales, chords, and rhythm to strengthen your foundation for the course.
Browse courses on
Music Theory
Show steps
-
Review music theory textbooks or online resources
-
Practice identifying intervals and chords by ear
-
Compose simple melodies and chord progressions
Read 'The Oxford Handbook of Italian Renaissance Music'
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of Italian Renaissance music, including the development of opera.
View
Music and Culture in Late Renaissance Italy
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the chapter on the history of Italian opera.
-
Read the chapter on the music of Giulio Cesare.
-
Listen to the musical examples provided in the book.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Follow a tutorial on how to analyze an opera score
Show steps
Learning how to analyze an opera score will help you understand the structure and development of Giulio Cesare.
Show steps
-
Find a tutorial on how to analyze an opera score.
-
Choose an opera score to analyze.
-
Follow the steps in the tutorial to analyze the score.
Follow a tutorial on how to play an opera aria on the piano
Show steps
Learning how to play an opera aria on the piano will help you develop a deeper understanding of the music.
Show steps
-
Find a tutorial on how to play an opera aria on the piano.
-
Choose an aria to learn.
-
Follow the steps in the tutorial to learn the aria.
Attend a peer study session to discuss Don Giovanni
Show steps
Attending a peer study session will give you the opportunity to discuss the opera with other students and get different perspectives.
Show steps
-
Find a peer study session to attend.
-
Prepare for the study session by reading the assigned materials.
-
Attend the study session and participate in the discussion.
Explore opera history and techniques
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of opera by following online tutorials or documentaries on the history, forms, and performance practices of opera.
Show steps
-
Watch online documentaries on the history of opera
-
Study the different types of opera voices and their roles
-
Analyze opera scores to understand musical structure and orchestration
Write an essay comparing the music of Giulio Cesare and Don Giovanni
Show steps
Writing an essay will help you synthesize your knowledge of the two operas and identify their similarities and differences.
Show steps
-
Choose a specific aspect of the music to compare, such as the use of melody, harmony, or orchestration.
-
Research the music of both operas.
-
Write an outline for your essay.
-
Write the first draft of your essay.
-
Revise and edit your essay.
Start a project to compose your own opera aria
Show steps
Composing your own opera aria will give you a hands-on experience of the creative process.
Show steps
-
Choose a text to set to music.
-
Compose a melody.
-
Compose a harmony.
-
Orchestrate your aria.
-
Record and perform your aria.
Compile your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
Show steps
Compiling your course materials will help you review the material and identify areas where you need more support.
Show steps
-
Gather your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
-
Organize your materials into a logical order.
-
Review your materials regularly.
Review the basics of Italian opera
Show steps
Reviewing the basics of Italian opera will help you understand the historical context and musical conventions of Giulio Cesare.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read about the history of Italian opera.
- Listen to recordings of famous Italian operas.
- Attend a live performance of an Italian opera.
Review key concepts in music theory
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of basic music theory concepts like scales, chords, and rhythm to strengthen your foundation for the course.
Browse courses on
Music Theory
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review music theory textbooks or online resources
- Practice identifying intervals and chords by ear
- Compose simple melodies and chord progressions
Read 'The Oxford Handbook of Italian Renaissance Music'
Show steps
This book provides a comprehensive overview of Italian Renaissance music, including the development of opera.
View
Music and Culture in Late Renaissance Italy
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the chapter on the history of Italian opera.
- Read the chapter on the music of Giulio Cesare.
- Listen to the musical examples provided in the book.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Follow a tutorial on how to analyze an opera score
Show steps
Learning how to analyze an opera score will help you understand the structure and development of Giulio Cesare.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a tutorial on how to analyze an opera score.
- Choose an opera score to analyze.
- Follow the steps in the tutorial to analyze the score.
Follow a tutorial on how to play an opera aria on the piano
Show steps
Learning how to play an opera aria on the piano will help you develop a deeper understanding of the music.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a tutorial on how to play an opera aria on the piano.
- Choose an aria to learn.
- Follow the steps in the tutorial to learn the aria.
Attend a peer study session to discuss Don Giovanni
Show steps
Attending a peer study session will give you the opportunity to discuss the opera with other students and get different perspectives.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a peer study session to attend.
- Prepare for the study session by reading the assigned materials.
- Attend the study session and participate in the discussion.
Explore opera history and techniques
Show steps
Supplement your understanding of opera by following online tutorials or documentaries on the history, forms, and performance practices of opera.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Watch online documentaries on the history of opera
- Study the different types of opera voices and their roles
- Analyze opera scores to understand musical structure and orchestration
Write an essay comparing the music of Giulio Cesare and Don Giovanni
Show steps
Writing an essay will help you synthesize your knowledge of the two operas and identify their similarities and differences.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a specific aspect of the music to compare, such as the use of melody, harmony, or orchestration.
- Research the music of both operas.
- Write an outline for your essay.
- Write the first draft of your essay.
- Revise and edit your essay.
Start a project to compose your own opera aria
Show steps
Composing your own opera aria will give you a hands-on experience of the creative process.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a text to set to music.
- Compose a melody.
- Compose a harmony.
- Orchestrate your aria.
- Record and perform your aria.
Compile your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams
Show steps
Compiling your course materials will help you review the material and identify areas where you need more support.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather your notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
- Organize your materials into a logical order.
- Review your materials regularly.
Career center
Learners who complete 18th-Century Opera: Handel & Mozart will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Music Critic
Music Critic
Music Critics write reviews and articles about opera performances. They may also interview musicians and composers. This course may help you enhance your understanding of musical techniques. Through your study of the compositional techniques of Handel and Mozart, you will develop a vocabulary for describing and evaluating music.
Arts Journalist
Arts Journalist
Arts Journalists write about opera and other art forms for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They may also review performances and interview artists. This course may help you enhance your understanding of musical techniques. Through your study of the compositional techniques of Handel and Mozart, you will develop a vocabulary for describing and evaluating music.
Stage Director
Stage Director
Stage Directors are responsible for the staging of opera productions. They work with singers, conductors, and other members of the creative team to create a cohesive and visually appealing performance. This course may help you gain a better understanding of the relationship between music and drama in opera. By studying the works of Handel and Mozart, you will be able to identify successful techniques for representing characters and advancing the plot through music alone.
Conductor
Conductor
Conductors lead orchestras and choirs in performances of operas. They rehearse with the performers, set tempos, and ensure that the music is performed according to the composer's intent. This course may help you build a foundation in the history of opera. By studying the scores of Handel and Mozart, you will develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between the orchestra and singers, which would prove useful in your role as a conductor.
Arts Administrator
Arts Administrator
Arts Administrators manage the day-to-day operations of arts organizations, such as opera companies. They may oversee budgeting, marketing, and fundraising. This course may help you gain a broader understanding of the history and cultural significance of opera. Your studies of famous opera productions will provide you with case studies and examples of real-world applications for your administrative work.
Composer
Composer
Composers write music for operas and other musical genres. They may work with librettists to create a story and characters that are set to music. This course may help you develop your understanding of the structure and language of opera. By studying famous examples of opera's history, you will learn and internalize the techniques successful composers have used for centuries.
Opera Singer
Opera Singer
Opera Singers perform arias in front of live audiences, on radio, and television. They record music in studios for distribution. This course may help you develop an understanding of the mechanics of opera, the styles of opera, and the complexities of opera's subgenres. It may also help you learn techniques for representing characters in opera, which you may be able to apply to your own performances.
Arts Fundraiser
Arts Fundraiser
Arts Fundraisers raise money for arts organizations, such as opera companies. They may work with individuals, foundations, and corporations to secure donations. This course may help you gain a broader understanding of the history and cultural significance of opera. Your studies of famous opera productions will provide you with case studies and examples of real-world applications for your fundraising efforts.
Opera Administrator
Opera Administrator
Opera Administrators manage the day-to-day operations of opera companies. They may oversee budgeting, marketing, and fundraising. This course may help you gain an understanding of the history and cultural significance of opera. Through case studies and examples of real-world productions, you will develop a context for your administrative work.
Librettist
Librettist
Librettists write the words for operas. They work with composers to create a story and characters that are set to music. This course may help you develop your understanding of the structure and language of opera. By studying famous examples of opera's history, you will learn the successful approaches to opera writing.
Music Director
Music Director
Music Directors lead the creative vision for opera productions. They collaborate with conductors, stage directors, and other members of the creative team to ensure a unified artistic vision is executed on stage. This course may help you gain a better understanding of how an opera production goes from page to stage. As a member of a creative team, you would be able to use your deeper understanding of the composer's intent to deliver an authentic interpretation of the music.
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Music Therapists use music to help people improve their physical, emotional, and cognitive health. They may work with individuals or groups in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. This course may help you build a foundation in the history of opera. By studying examples of opera's history, you will be able to relate real-world examples to your music therapy work.
Music Professor
Music Professor
Music Professors teach music at colleges and universities. They may specialize in a particular instrument or genre of music, such as opera. This course may help you build a foundation in the history of opera. By studying famous examples of opera's history, you will be able to contextualize your own teaching and select examples from the canon for your students.
Music Librarian
Music Librarian
Music Librarians manage and preserve music collections in libraries and archives. They may also provide reference services to researchers and the general public. This course may help you develop a deeper understanding of the history of opera. By studying famous examples of opera's history, you will be able to contextualize and organize music collections for future researchers.
Music Educator
Music Educator
Music Educators teach music to students of all ages. They may specialize in a particular instrument or genre of music, such as opera. This course may help you build a foundation in the history of opera. By studying famous examples of opera's history, you will be able to contextualize your own teaching and select examples from the canon for your students.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/i3lcth/18th
Reading list
We've selected 12 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
18th-Century Opera: Handel & Mozart.
This is the full score of Mozart's opera Don Giovanni. It would be a valuable resource for learners who want to study the music in detail.
This is the libretto of Handel's opera Giulio Cesare. It would be a valuable resource for learners who want to study the text of the opera in detail.
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of Handel's life and work, and offers insights into the social and cultural context of his music. It valuable resource for learners who want to learn more about Handel and his music.
Save
This compendium offers a comprehensive overview of Mozart's life and work, and provides insights into the social and cultural context of his music. It valuable resource for learners who want to learn more about Mozart and his music..
Save
Offers a comprehensive history of opera, from its origins to the present day. It valuable resource for learners who want to learn more about the development of opera as an art form.
Offers a comprehensive guide to opera. It valuable resource for learners who want to learn more about the history, composers, and works of opera.
Save
This handbook offers a comprehensive overview of opera, including its history, forms, and composers. It would serve as an excellent reference tool for learners who want to delve deeper into the world of opera.
Save
This multi-volume encyclopedia offers comprehensive coverage of all aspects of music, including opera. It valuable resource for learners who want to research specific topics in more detail.
Save
This one-volume encyclopedia offers comprehensive coverage of all aspects of music, including opera. It valuable resource for learners who want to research specific topics in more detail.
Save
Explores the relationship between music and drama in opera. It valuable resource for learners who want to learn more about how opera composers use music to convey dramatic meaning.
Offers a concise introduction to the history, forms, and composers of opera. It valuable resource for learners who want to gain a basic understanding of opera.
Save
Explores the lives and works of Handel and Mozart, and the broader musical and cultural context of the Enlightenment period. It can give learners more knowledge about the composers and their times, and offer fresh perspectives on the course material.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/i3lcth/18th
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Effort
3 to 4 hours per week for 5 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructor
Thomas Forrest Kelly
Session
May 8, 2024
- May 7, 2025
Language
English
Transcript
English
Good to know
Taught by Thomas Forrest Kelly, who is recognized for their work in Baroque and Classical music
Teaches learners how to compare the social and cultural contexts of the two premieres, which is useful for personal growth and development
Develops learners' foundational understanding of the essential characteristics of Classical music
Examines the relationship between music and drama in opera, which is highly relevant to theater students
Teaches learners how singers and the orchestra interact, which is core knowledge for singers and musicians
Teaches essential characteristics of Baroque opera, which is highly relevant for theater students
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