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Monteverdi's L'Orfeo: Birth of Opera

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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Monteverdi's L'Orfeo: Birth of Opera

This course includes

3 Weeks

Of Self-paced video lessons

Beginner Level

Completion Certificate

awarded on course completion

12,288

Audit For Free

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

Opera History
Classical Music
Musical Analysis
Renaissance Music
Monteverdi
Dramatic Composition
Orchestration
Performance Practice
Musical Forms

This course includes:

PreRecorded video

Graded assignments, exams

Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop

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

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.

Monteverdi's L'Orfeo: Birth of Opera

This course includes

3 Weeks

Of Self-paced video lessons

Beginner Level

Completion Certificate

awarded on course completion

12,288

Audit For Free

Testimonials

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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.