Opera studies 1: the operatic soprano

City Lit

Course

In London

£ 189 VAT inc.

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Description

  • Type

    Course

  • Location

    London

  • Start date

    Different dates available

As we often think of operatic tenors as heroes, so we think of the soprano in opera as the heroine. She may be young and charming or strong and determined, but we might assume that she and the tenor will end the opera as a couple - even if one or both of them dies! We trace the development of soprano rôles from early operas to the present, considering vocal changes and training as well as the character of the voice. By considering range, type, composers’ preferences, and some famous singers, we will look at the soprano as the prima donna of joy, despair, hope and triumph. Tutor: Pauline Greene [external website].

Facilities

Location

Start date

London
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Keeley Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 4BA

Start date

Different dates availableEnrolment now open

About this course

- Identify some different kinds of soprano voices, e.g. lyric soprano and dramatic soprano
- Identify some famous soprano characters in various operas
- Understand the development of the soprano voice, musically and in varying operatic rôles throughout opera history.

- Please bring a notebook and pen.
- You may wish to buy some of the music or books recommended in class.

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Subjects

  • Voice

Course programme

- The soprano voice in opera, from its earliest days to the present
- Differing kinds of soprano voice and vocal training
- Famous soprano rôles in opera.

You will be taught using a range of techniques including short lectures, slide shows and discussions, practical demonstrations on the piano and guided listening and watching sessions. Courses use a variety of materials including YouTube clips. Links to these are given on handouts so that further exploration may take place between classes if you wish. Occasional short preparation tasks, such as listening to an aria or reading about a composer, librettist or style, may be set from time to time. There will be lots of clips from operas to watch in class, and also afterwards at home if students have access to the internet. Listening and reading outside class is encouraged and, once enrolled, further online resources will be available via Google Classroom.

Additional information

City Lit offers a wide range of music appreciation classes, as well as related courses in history, art history and philosophy. Next term Pauline will be teaching another course focusing on opera, Opera studies 2: Literature into Libretto (MD998), on Monday afternoons, as well as Introduction to Musical Analysis: Module 1 (MD643A) on Monday mornings. There will be further Analysis and Opera classes in the Summer Term, and one on the life and music of Cole Porter. To find out more about music appreciation classes and to read some of our recommendations, please see the blog post Music history and appreciation: the 2018/19 programme which lists our full programme of classes listed by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline. General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 19:00. See the course guide for term dates and further details

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Opera studies 1: the operatic soprano

£ 189 VAT inc.

The best Music courses

See all

See all