This course is part of Classical Works.
This engaging course examines Monteverdi's L'Orfeo, one of the earliest and most influential operas ever written. Led by Harvard's Thomas Forrest Kelly, students explore the first half of this masterpiece, learning about operatic form, dramatic techniques, and the cultural context of its 1607 premiere in Mantua. The course illuminates Monteverdi's role as a Renaissance court musician and examines how L'Orfeo established fundamental operatic traditions that continue to influence the genre today. Through detailed analysis and historical context, students gain appreciation for this pivotal work's significance in musical history.
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What you'll learn
Understand the technical and formal aspects of 17th-century opera
Identify instruments in Monteverdi's orchestra and different voice types
Explore the cultural context of L'Orfeo's first performance
Analyze operatic form and dramatic techniques
Appreciate Monteverdi's role as a Renaissance court musician
Recognize L'Orfeo's influence on modern opera
Skills you'll gain
This course includes:
PreRecorded video
Graded assignments, exams
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Limited Access access
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Module Description
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Monteverdi's L'Orfeo and its pivotal role in opera history. Students explore the technical and formal aspects of 17th-century opera, including instrumental and vocal components, while examining the cultural and historical context of the work's premiere. The curriculum covers both musical analysis and historical perspective, helping students understand how this groundbreaking work established operatic traditions that continue to influence the genre today.
Fee Structure
Individual course purchase is not available - to enroll in this course with a certificate, you need to purchase the complete Professional Certificate Course. For enrollment and detailed fee structure, visit the following: Classical Works
Instructor

11 Courses
Prominent Scholar Advancing Musicology and Early Music Performance
Thomas Forrest Kelly is the Morton B. Knafel Professor of Music at Harvard University, specializing in performance practice, early music, and liturgical music. He earned his BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and his PhD from Harvard, where he has been a faculty member since 1997. His influential works include "The Beneventan Chant," which received the Otto Kinkeldey Award from the American Musicological Society, and "Capturing Music: The Story of Notation." Kelly has also authored "Early Music: A Very Short Introduction" and "First Nights," which explores significant musical premieres throughout history. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has received numerous accolades, including being named a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres by the French Republic. His extensive contributions to musicology encompass research on medieval music and its performance, as well as teaching at various prestigious institutions. Through his scholarly work and active participation in the music community, Kelly continues to influence the understanding and appreciation of early music traditions.
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