Through the study of operas by Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti and Verdi, this module will familiarise you with the dominant genres and trends of Italian opera from the 1800s to the 1860s. You will explore the world of Italian opera, including its socio-economic factors, and the roles of impresarios, composers, librettists, singers, critics, publishers, and political authorities in shaping that world. You will study issues relating to sources and editions of 19th-century Italian operas, and cultivate a sophisticated understanding of the complex interplay between ‘text’ and ‘performance’ at the verbal, musical, and visual levels.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
Teaching methods include:
- Lectures
- Class discussion
- Individual tutorials
Learning activities include:
- A wide range of reading (certain books and articles will be required reading)
- Use of online resources to find newspaper articles and other material relating to the subjects being studied
- Listening to and viewing of poperas
