Examination of representative operas of each period in
historical context. It analyses the roles played in the creation
and production of operas by the patron/audience, librettist,
composer, singers, conductor, director, machinist, and (when
appropriate) film director.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Using primary sources, graduate students will write an in-depth
analysis of a particular feature or performance practice
problem.
Athena Title
History of Opera
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in MUSI 4250 or MUSI 6250
Prerequisite
MUSI 3030 or MUSI 3210 or MUSI 3220 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the successful student will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the history of opera.
Upon completion of the course, the successful student will be able to describe a wide range of performance-practice problems.
Upon completion of the course, the successful student will be able to interpret writings and critical methodologies from several disciplines.
Upon completion of the course, the successful student will be able to write in the language of the discipline.
Topical Outline
1. Introduction to the discipline
2. Early Baroque opera; castrato; Baroque theater; tragedie lyrique
3. Metastasio; Mozart; the Mozart tenor
4. Bel canto; Bizet; Verdi
5. Strauss; the Fach system; Opera in Britain; Contemporary American opera
