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Flora Willson,
Giles Masters,
Claudia Chapman,
Jonathan Huff,
Giuliano Danieli,
and
Alasdair Cameron
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is for anyone interested in opera and how it works musically and theatrically, whether or not you’ve experienced opera before. You can use the hashtag #FLinsideopera to talk about this course on social media.
Topics Covered
- What is opera?
- What happens onstage?
- What goes on backstage?
- How is opera embedded in the world beyond the opera house?
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/zc1n93/inside
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Reviews summary
Accessible and engaging opera introduction
According to learners, this course provides a largely positive and accessible introduction to opera. Many highlight how it effectively addresses the question "Why Does It Matter?", making the art form feel relevant and engaging. Students particularly praise the passionate and knowledgeable instructors and the excellent use of music examples throughout the lectures. The course structure is often described as well-paced for beginners. Some reviews suggest that while it's a strong starting point, those with prior opera knowledge might find it lacks depth in certain areas. Overall, it's seen as a highly valuable resource for anyone curious about opera.
Well-organized and easy to follow.
"The course structure was logical and easy to follow week by week."
"A good pace for someone new to the subject."
"Everything flowed nicely from one topic to the next."
Taught by expert, passionate faculty.
"The lectures by the KCL and ROH staff were insightful and engaging."
"Instructors were clearly passionate about opera and conveyed that well."
"I really appreciated the expertise brought by the lecturers."
"Their enthusiasm was infectious and made the topics come alive."
Rich examples and insights into opera's world.
"The music examples were perfectly chosen to illustrate the points made."
"Loved learning about the backstage aspects and how opera connects to society."
"The course material was consistently interesting and held my attention."
"Fascinating look at aspects of opera beyond just the performance itself."
Makes opera understandable for newcomers.
"A truly wonderful introduction to the world of opera. Made it accessible and fascinating."
"This course is perfect for anyone who knows little to nothing about opera but is curious."
"I felt the material was presented in a way that wasn't intimidating for a beginner."
"Never thought I'd understand opera, but this course broke it down brilliantly."
May be too basic for those with prior knowledge.
"Found it a little too superficial, especially in the later weeks if you already know some opera."
"While excellent for beginners, I was hoping for slightly more advanced discussion."
"If you have significant opera background, this might just be a refresher."
"Good foundation, but leaves you wanting more advanced detail."
Activities
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We're preparing activities for
Inside Opera: Why Does It Matter?.
These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.
Career center
Learners who complete Inside Opera: Why Does It Matter? will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/zc1n93/inside
Reading list
We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
This comprehensive handbook provides an in-depth overview of the history, theory, and practice of opera, covering various aspects such as musical styles, dramatic conventions, and cultural contexts. It valuable resource for students, scholars, and opera enthusiasts alike.
This historical account traces the development of opera from its origins in the Renaissance to the present day. It explores the evolution of musical forms, dramatic techniques, and the impact of social and cultural factors on the art form.
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This introductory text provides a concise and accessible overview of the key elements of opera, including its history, musical structure, dramatic conventions, and performance practices. It great starting point for those new to the genre.
This in-depth guide explores the four operas that comprise Wagner's epic Ring cycle, providing detailed musical analysis, historical context, and insights into the composer's creative process. It is essential reading for anyone interested in this monumental work.
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This classic biography offers a comprehensive account of Puccini's life and career, shedding light on his creative process, personal struggles, and the impact of his operas on the musical landscape. It must-read for anyone interested in the life and work of this beloved composer.
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This detailed study of Verdi's masterpiece Aida examines its historical context, musical structure, and dramatic impact. It provides a deep understanding of one of the most popular and enduring operas in the repertoire.
This thought-provoking collection of essays explores the nature of opera as an art form, examining its unique blend of music, drama, and spectacle. Steane offers insightful perspectives on the history, aesthetics, and performance practices of opera.
This comprehensive reference work provides detailed entries on composers, operas, singers, conductors, and other aspects of the opera world. It is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking authoritative information on the history and practice of opera.
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This monumental work is the most comprehensive and authoritative reference on opera ever published. It includes thousands of entries on all aspects of the art form, from composers and singers to specific operas and historical events. It is an essential resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
This influential book examines the relationship between music and drama in opera, arguing that the dramatic structure and expressive qualities of music play a crucial role in conveying the meaning and impact of the work. It must-read for anyone interested in the aesthetics and interpretation of opera.
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This practical guide provides a comprehensive overview of the German lied, a genre of vocal music that combines poetry and song. It covers vocal technique, performance practices, and the interpretation of major lieder by composers such as Schubert, Schumann, and Brahms.
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This compact but informative handbook provides a concise overview of the history, forms, and conventions of opera. It useful resource for students, teachers, and anyone seeking a general understanding of the genre.
This scholarly work explores the relationship between opera and the Enlightenment, examining how the ideas and values of the Enlightenment influenced the development of opera as an art form. It offers insights into the social, intellectual, and cultural contexts that shaped opera during this period.
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Explores the role of music in human culture and society. It discusses the psychological, emotional, and physical effects of music, and how it can be used to communicate and express emotions.
This anthology contains a wide range of English literature from the Middle Ages to the present day. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in studying English literature.
Provides a comprehensive overview of cultural studies, a field that examines the relationship between culture and society. It is written by a leading expert in the field, and it is an essential resource for anyone interested in studying cultural studies.
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Explores the relationship between art and language. It examines how artists use language to communicate their ideas and how viewers interpret art through language.
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Explores the act of looking at art. It examines how we see art, how we interpret it, and how it affects us.
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Explores the role of images in culture and society. It examines how images are used to communicate, persuade, and control.
Provides a concise overview of the arts, including their history, theory, and practice. It is written by a leading expert in the field, and it is an essential resource for anyone interested in studying the arts.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/zc1n93/inside
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Time
8 hours
Via
FutureLearn
Institutions
King's College London
Royal Opera House
Victoria and Albert Museum
Instructors
Flora Willson
Giles Masters
Claudia Chapman
Jonathan Huff
Giuliano Danieli
Alasdair Cameron
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