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Flora Willson, Giles Masters, Claudia Chapman, Jonathan Huff, Giuliano Danieli, and Alasdair Cameron

Topics Covered

  • What is opera?
  • What happens onstage?
  • What goes on backstage?
  • How is opera embedded in the world beyond the opera house?

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Reviews summary

Enchanting opera exploration

This course provides a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the world of opera, covering its history, musical and theatrical elements, and cultural significance. The course is well-organized and the involvement of the V&A and their opera exhibition adds depth to the learning experience.
Partners with V&A for enriched learning.
"It was very well organised and done in conjunction with the V & A and their opera exhibition"
Covers a wide range of opera-related topics.
"And if that isn’t enough there was a look of the role of opera in politics and power."
Valuable insights into opera's multifaceted nature.
"Am outstanding look at Opera over time, on stage, in voices and from behind stage."

Activities

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Career center

Learners who complete Inside Opera: Why Does It Matter? will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explores the relationship between art and language. It examines how artists use language to communicate their ideas and how viewers interpret art through language.
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.

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