Introduction to German Opera: A Musical Journey
Explore German opera masterworks while building critical listening techniques and understanding of the genre's musical traditions.
Explore German opera masterworks while building critical listening techniques and understanding of the genre's musical traditions.
Embark on a fascinating journey into the world of German opera with this introductory course designed for both beginners and experienced listeners. Develop a toolbox of skills to enhance your appreciation and understanding of opera, focusing on German composers and their works. Learn to identify specific moments and gestures in operatic performances, gaining insights into the history and conventions of German opera. Through engaging listening activities and musical analysis, you'll explore how opera touches upon the human experience. This course aims to foster a lifelong appreciation for opera, connecting you with a global community of opera enthusiasts.
Instructors:
English
English
Powered by
What you'll learn
Develop advanced listening skills for appreciating opera
Understand the historical context and development of German opera
Identify and analyze key conventions in German operatic works
Apply musical analysis techniques to operatic performances
Explore the works of major German opera composers
Connect opera to broader themes in human experience and culture
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop
Limited Access access
Shareable certificate
Closed caption
Get a Completion Certificate
Share your certificate with prospective employers and your professional network on LinkedIn.
Created by
Provided by
Top companies offer this course to their employees
Top companies provide this course to enhance their employees' skills, ensuring they excel in handling complex projects and drive organizational success.
Module Description
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to German opera, catering to both newcomers and experienced listeners. The curriculum is structured to provide students with essential tools for appreciating and analyzing opera, with a specific focus on German compositions. The first week introduces fundamental listening skills and analytical techniques, while subsequent weeks apply these skills to works by renowned German opera composers. Students will explore the history of German opera, its conventions, and its cultural significance. The course emphasizes practical listening experiences and encourages students to connect with opera on a personal level. By the end of the course, participants will have developed advanced listening skills, gained historical context, and be equipped to appreciate opera as a lifelong interest. The course also aims to foster a sense of community among opera enthusiasts, encouraging global connections and local engagement with opera.
Fee Structure
Instructors
1 Course
Distinguished Musicologist and Concert Pianist
Steve Swayne serves as the Jacob H. Strauss 1922 Professor of Music at Dartmouth College and Director of the Montgomery Fellows Program. His academic journey includes degrees from Occidental College (BA), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and the University of California at Berkeley (MA, PhD). His research spans American music, musical theater, and opera, with two acclaimed books: "How Sondheim Found His Sound" (2005) and "Orpheus in Manhattan" (2011), the latter winning the 2012 ASCAP Nicolas Slonimsky Award. As President of the American Musicological Society (2020-2022), he led the organization through the pandemic years, earning an honorary membership in 2024. His contributions to music education and research have been recognized through fellowships from the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the 2017 Professor John Rassias Faculty Award. Beyond academia, he maintains an active career as a concert pianist, having performed with the San Francisco Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas
3 Courses
Expert in Documentary Filmmaking and Video Production
Sawyer Broadley serves as a video professional at Dartmouth College's Media Production Group, bringing over a decade of experience in video production. After graduating from Dartmouth College in 2008 with a BA in English and Film Studies, he established himself as a versatile filmmaker, working as producer, videographer, and editor. His notable work includes co-directing and editing the documentary "Change the Subject" (2019), which follows Dartmouth students challenging anti-immigrant language in Library of Congress subject headings. Based in Massachusetts, he combines his professional videography work with personal interests in soft goods design, cycling, reading, and tea, while focusing on creating content that drives positive social impact through collaboration with educators, scientists, and businesses.
Testimonials
Testimonials and success stories are a testament to the quality of this program and its impact on your career and learning journey. Be the first to help others make an informed decision by sharing your review of the course.
Frequently asked questions
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about this course. We aim to provide clear and concise answers to help you better understand the course content, structure, and any other relevant information. If you have any additional questions or if your question is not listed here, please don't hesitate to reach out to our support team for further assistance.