European and Asian Operas: Crowns, serpents and high Cs
In this seminar we will study operas from early baroque and Mozart, to later works in the classical repertoire such as Madame Butterfly by Puccini and Der Rosenkavalier by Strauss, through to traditional music theater pieces from Asia. We will examine the varying partnerships of libretto to music and discover the philosophy of our cultures embedded in these structures. Along with musical analysis, we will delve into issues of prosody and word painting and engage in discussions, research, and creative projects examining its place in our culture, its aesthetic and relevance. The instructor’s original opera Lotus Lives will be presented. Qualified members of the class will participate in the production as assistants, stage managers, perform as puppeteers, and other stagecraft elements. (Ability to read music)