Theater and Dance 320 - Seminar on Opera

(Offered as MUSI 420, EUST 320 and THDA 320) This course examines the three main genres of lyric theater (opera, operetta, and musical) with special attention to composers’ musical characterizations of the women and men who populate them. Beginning with case studies from operas by Mozart, Verdi, and Puccini, an operetta by Johann Strauss II, and a musical by Stephen Sondheim, we will work to acquire a critical vocabulary to understand the ways in which composers work with conventions of vocal type and melodic and rhythmic gesture to define character. Some of the works studied will be chosen in coordination with performances we can attend. Students will be required to give a presentation and write a research paper on a topic of their choice.

Requisite: MUSI 241 or consent of the instructor. Fall semester. Professor Schneider.