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Steve Swayne
This course gives us an introduction to Italian Opera right from its very beginning in Florence, Italy.
You will understand how Mozart’s opera is the midpoint of opera. It explores how music tells the audience about the characters' thoughts through musical gestures. It also sheds light on the importance of close listening to understand opera thoroughly.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/x6c7ti/introduction
What's inside
Syllabus
Act I, Scene 1 (Week 1) - Mozart and Close Listening
This module utilizes Mozart’s opera Le Nozze di Figaro to explore opera and close listening in detail.
Read more
Syllabus
Act I, Scene 1 (Week 1) - Mozart and Close Listening
This module utilizes Mozart’s opera Le Nozze di Figaro to explore opera and close listening in detail.
Read more
Act I, Scene 2 (Week 2) - Italian opera before Mozart
This module introduces you to the origin of opera. It also utilizes Monteverdi's L’Orfeo to distinguish different styles in opera from one era to another.
Act I, Scene 3 (Week 3) - Conventions in Italian opera
This module discusses the purpose of specific operatic conventions in the overture, arias, recitative, finales, choruses, cantabile-cabaletta, and instrumental interludes. It also utilizes various approaches on how music conveys the drama.
Act II, Scene 1 (Week 4) - The bel canto era
This module introduces you to the bel canto era in Italian Opera. It also utilizes Rossini's Il barbiere di Siviglia to explore the bel canto style.
Act II, Scene 2 (Week 5) - Verdi
This module discusses the contribution of Giuseppi Verdi in the bel canto era. It also gives you an understanding of Verdi’s influence from Rossini’s work.
Act II, Scene 3 (Week 6) - Puccini and his contemporaries
This module discusses how Puccini and his contemporaries challenge history and conventions in Italian opera. It also discusses his presence in the regular repertoire of Italian opera.
FAQs
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces students to the origin of opera
Helps students understand how Mozart’s opera is a turning point for opera
Facilitates understanding of how music communicates the character's feelings
Highlights the importance of attentive listening for opera appreciation
Covers the bel canto era and its influence on Italian Opera
Provides a comprehensive overview of Italian Opera from its inception to the 20th century
Save this course
Save Introduction to Italian Opera to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 Italian Opera with these
activities:
Explore online tutorials on opera history and terminology
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of opera history, genres, and terminology.
Show steps
-
Identify online resources for opera history tutorials.
-
Watch tutorials on different opera genres and styles.
-
Learn about common opera terms and their meanings.
Create a personal style profile
Show steps
Build a foundation for understanding opera.
Show steps
-
Identify your preferred musical styles (e.g., classical, pop, jazz).
-
Research and familiarize yourself with major categories of opera.
-
Create a list of operas that you find engaging and interesting.
Read an article about the history of Italian opera (specifically, about the Baroque era)
Show steps
Helps provide a firm understanding of Italian opera's roots and conventions.
Browse courses on
Baroque
Show steps
-
Choose an article from a reputable source, like the Metropolitan Opera website or Britannica.
-
Read the article carefully, taking notes on the key events and developments in Italian opera's Baroque period.
-
Think about how the Baroque style and conventions of the time shaped the development of Italian opera.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Assist fellow students with opera concepts and discussions
Show steps
Reinforce your own understanding while helping others grasp opera concepts.
Show steps
-
Review the course materials regularly.
-
Participate actively in online discussions and forums.
-
Offer guidance and support to peers who have questions.
Practice recognizing different types of arias (e.g., aria di bravura, aria accompagnato, aria d'azione).
Show steps
Allows you to gain mastery over identifying and differentiating different types of Italian arias.
Show steps
-
Use recordings or videos of various operas to identify different types of arias.
-
Pay attention to the vocal style, instrumentation, and dramatic context of each aria.
-
Practice categorizing arias according to their type, taking note of their distinct features.
Read Verdi: A Biography
Show steps
Gain insights into Verdi's life, contributions, and relevance in Italian Opera.
View
Puccini: A Biography
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read chapters related to Verdi's early life and musical education.
-
Summarize Verdi's artistic journey and major operas.
-
Reflect on Verdi's impact on Italian opera.
Write a short essay on the evolution of opera
Show steps
Reflect on the transformation of opera throughout history, analyzing its various styles and influences.
Show steps
-
Research the evolution of opera from its origins to contemporary times.
-
Discuss the key changes in musical style, themes, and production techniques.
-
Analyze the influence of historical events and social contexts on opera's development.
Explore online tutorials on opera history and terminology
Show steps
Expand your knowledge of opera history, genres, and terminology.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify online resources for opera history tutorials.
- Watch tutorials on different opera genres and styles.
- Learn about common opera terms and their meanings.
Create a personal style profile
Show steps
Build a foundation for understanding opera.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify your preferred musical styles (e.g., classical, pop, jazz).
- Research and familiarize yourself with major categories of opera.
- Create a list of operas that you find engaging and interesting.
Read an article about the history of Italian opera (specifically, about the Baroque era)
Show steps
Helps provide a firm understanding of Italian opera's roots and conventions.
Browse courses on
Baroque
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose an article from a reputable source, like the Metropolitan Opera website or Britannica.
- Read the article carefully, taking notes on the key events and developments in Italian opera's Baroque period.
- Think about how the Baroque style and conventions of the time shaped the development of Italian opera.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Assist fellow students with opera concepts and discussions
Show steps
Reinforce your own understanding while helping others grasp opera concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the course materials regularly.
- Participate actively in online discussions and forums.
- Offer guidance and support to peers who have questions.
Practice recognizing different types of arias (e.g., aria di bravura, aria accompagnato, aria d'azione).
Show steps
Allows you to gain mastery over identifying and differentiating different types of Italian arias.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Use recordings or videos of various operas to identify different types of arias.
- Pay attention to the vocal style, instrumentation, and dramatic context of each aria.
- Practice categorizing arias according to their type, taking note of their distinct features.
Read Verdi: A Biography
Show steps
Gain insights into Verdi's life, contributions, and relevance in Italian Opera.
View
Puccini: A Biography
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read chapters related to Verdi's early life and musical education.
- Summarize Verdi's artistic journey and major operas.
- Reflect on Verdi's impact on Italian opera.
Write a short essay on the evolution of opera
Show steps
Reflect on the transformation of opera throughout history, analyzing its various styles and influences.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the evolution of opera from its origins to contemporary times.
- Discuss the key changes in musical style, themes, and production techniques.
- Analyze the influence of historical events and social contexts on opera's development.
Career center
Learners who complete Introduction to Italian Opera will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Opera Singer
Opera Singer
Opera Singers perform leading roles in operas. This course introduces one to Italian Opera. It could be a good starting place for learning the fundamentals of opera, which an Opera Singer performs in.
Music Teacher
Music Teacher
Music Teachers instruct students in music. This course focuses on teaching beginners the basics of Italian Opera. It could be a helpful place to start for a Music Teacher who wants to understand this style of opera.
Music Director
Music Director
Music Directors oversee all aspects of musical productions. This course provides background on essential Italian Operas, such as Le Nozze di Figaro and L’Orfeo. This background could be helpful for a Music Director who wishes to produce operas.
Composer
Composer
Composers create original music. This course discusses the various styles found in Italian Opera, such as bel canto and cantabile-cabaletta. This exposure to different styles could be helpful for a composer who wishes to compose in the opera style.
Music Historian
Music Historian
Music Historians study and write about the history of music. This course focuses on Italian Opera in particular. Taking this course could help a Music Historian develop a strong foundation in the history of a notable genre of music.
Artistic Director
Artistic Director
Artistic Directors make artistic decisions for performing arts organizations. This course covers the history of Italian Opera, which could be helpful for an Artistic Director who wants to make informed artistic decisions.
Concertmaster
Concertmaster
Concertmasters lead an orchestra's string section. This course discusses the close listening that goes into opera, such as listening to the character's thoughts through musical gestures. This knowledge could be helpful for a Concertmaster who wants to learn how to more effectively convey emotion through their music.
Music Critic
Music Critic
Music Critics write reviews and articles about music. This course gives students an introduction to Italian Opera. Taking this course could help a Music Critic develop a strong foundation in opera.
Music Librarian
Music Librarian
Music Librarians organize and manage music libraries. This course discusses the history and conventions of Italian Opera. Understanding the history and conventions of opera could be helpful for a Music Librarian who wishes to specialize in this genre of music.
Music Journalist
Music Journalist
Music Journalists write articles about music. This course gives students an introduction to Italian Opera. Taking this course could help a Music Journalist develop a strong foundation in opera.
Music Editor
Music Editor
Music Editors edit music for publication. This course discusses the conventions and history of Italian Opera. Understanding the conventions and history of opera could be helpful for a Music Editor who wishes to specialize in this genre of music.
Arts Administrator
Arts Administrator
Arts Administrators manage the administrative aspects of arts organizations. This course covers the history and conventions of Italian Opera. Understanding the history and conventions of opera could be helpful for an Arts Administrator who wishes to specialize in this genre of music.
Music Therapist
Music Therapist
Music Therapists use music to help people improve their health and well-being. This course discusses the history and conventions of Italian Opera. Understanding the history and conventions of opera could be helpful for a Music Therapist who wishes to specialize in using opera in their work.
Music Producer
Music Producer
Music Producers oversee the recording and production of music. This course discusses the history and conventions of Italian Opera. Understanding the history and conventions of opera could be helpful for a Music Producer who wishes to specialize in this genre of music.
Music Arranger
Music Arranger
Music Arrangers adapt music for different instruments or ensembles. This course discusses the history and conventions of Italian Opera. Understanding the history and conventions of opera could be helpful for a Music Arranger who wishes to specialize in this genre of music.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/x6c7ti/introduction
Reading list
We've selected 14 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 Italian Opera.
This dictionary provides detailed information on all aspects of opera, including its history, composers, and works. It would be a valuable reference for anyone wanting to learn more about the subject.
Provides a comprehensive overview of opera, including its history, composers, and works. It would be a valuable resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the subject.
Offers a comprehensive overview of Italian opera, covering its history, composers, and works. It would be a valuable resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the subject.
Provides detailed information on over 200 operas, including their plots, characters, and music. It would be a useful reference for anyone wanting to learn more about opera.
Save
Comprehensive encyclopedia of opera. It includes entries on operas, composers, singers, and other topics related to opera.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to opera, including its history, composers, and works. It would be a good starting point for anyone wanting to learn more about the subject.
This dictionary provides concise information on all aspects of opera, including its history, composers, and works. It good starting point for anyone wanting to learn more about the subject.
This dictionary provides concise information on all aspects of opera, including its history, composers, and works. It good starting point for anyone wanting to learn more about the subject.
Save
This guide to opera provides detailed information on over 100 operas, including their plots, characters, and music. It would be a useful reference for anyone wanting to learn more about opera.
Provides a concise history of opera, from its origins to the present day. It would be a good starting point for anyone wanting to learn more about the subject.
Save
This guide to opera provides a concise overview of the subject, including its history, composers, and works. It would be a good starting point for anyone wanting to learn more about opera.
Collection of essays on opera by one of the leading critics of the 20th century. It provides insights into the history, analysis, and performance of opera.
Concise and accessible introduction to opera. It provides an overview of the history of opera, as well as brief descriptions of some of the most famous operas.
Provides a basic introduction to opera, including its history, composers, and works. It would be a good starting point for anyone wanting to learn more about the subject.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/x6c7ti/introduction
Share
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Via
Coursera
Institution
Dartmouth College
Instructor
Steve Swayne
Language
English
Good to know
Introduces students to the origin of opera
Helps students understand how Mozart’s opera is a turning point for opera
Facilitates understanding of how music communicates the character's feelings
Highlights the importance of attentive listening for opera appreciation
Covers the bel canto era and its influence on Italian Opera
Provides a comprehensive overview of Italian Opera from its inception to the 20th century
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