Classical Opera - An Introduction for High Achievers

Opera is exciting - vibrant - alive - energetic - emotional - and DEEP.

Often sung in a language other than English, and expensive to attend and produce, it can seem hard to get into.
It doesn't have to be that way!

This class offers an introduction to the genre and provides an introductory approach to longer classes focused on building an appreciation for the genre and some of the best-known and best-loved operas and the big names associated with it.

This class is about classical opera. It does not touch on Operetta (Gilbert and Sullivan) or Musicals (Phantom of the Opera), both of which follow the 'singspiel' or 'sing-talk' tradition of including spoken dialogue alongside sung segments. Opera is (generally) all sung.

We cover the following elements:
A Potted History of Opera - From Monteverdi to Modern
Story and Surprises - Libretto - Language - Themes
The Magic of Music - Rhythm - Melody - Harmony - Orchestration - Word Setting
Virtuosi Voices - Sopranos - Countertenors - Contraltos - Tenors - Basses - The Fach System
Opera's Wow Words - Overture - Aria - Recitative - Cadenza - ABA Form - Duet - Chorus - Finale

We touch on the following elements:
Set Design and Staging
Costume and Make Up 
Singing and Acting - The Demands of the Form
Production Values - Making Opera Relevant - Reinterpreting and Revisiting Themes

And most importantly - what makes opera great:
Great musicians - Great performers

Dressing up in your best clothes to come to the opera (and this opera class) is very much to be encouraged - performers love it (as does this teacher - and if you play along, you'll be rewarded with a special 'easter egg' treat during the course).

Photo credit: Almos Bechtold, Unsplash