MUS 11 Introduction to Opera
The term 'opera' encompasses a vast range of music-dramatic forms and involves the extra-musical domains of literature, mythology, the visual arts, religion, philosophy, and social commentary. From its origins in late Renaissance Italy to the present, opera has been a most complex and compelling performing art, as well as a mirror of Western culture. This course will survey the development of opera, focusing on representative works by such composers as Monteverdi, Handel, Purcell, Mozart, Verdi, Wagner, Bizet, R. Strauss, Berg, and Britten. Special attention will be given to music as it relates to libretto and dramatic structure.
Instructor
Swayne