Exploring Opera: a course for everyone, from beginners to advanced opera lovers, interested in exploring Richard Wagner's opera 'Rienzi' and discussing its merits and significance. Students will learn to appreciate the music and watch the opera, using their knowledge and understanding to discuss their own responses and opinions with other students, as well as learning about the historical background to the story, the music, the libretto, and the biography of the composer.
Course aim
To explore Richard Wagner's opera 'Rienzi', absorbing its music and viewing it over Zoom, students will be able to discuss the musical and dramatic features, learn about the background and the production of the opera, and the biography of Wagner.
Do I need any particular skills or experience?
- This course is for everyone, from beginners to advanced opera lovers, interested in exploring Richard Wagner's opera 'Rienzi' and discussing its merits and significance.
By the end of the course I should be able to:
- Describe at least 3 ways that my knowledge and learning have helped me to appreciate and enjoy the opera
- Assess how Wagner developed the operatic characters musically, dramatically and emotionally
- Explain the narrative of the Libretto and its background
- Describe 2 to 3 features of Wagner's operatic style and biography
- Work collaboratively in the group to contribute my responses and reactions to the music, action and production of the opera
What else do I need to know?
You will need an internet connection, speakers, a microphone and a webcam so that you can use our video learning platform, Zoom. http://bit.ly/ZoomSpec You will need a personal email address to join the WEA’s digital learning platform, Canvas: http://bit.ly/WEAonline
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