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18th-Century Opera: Handel and Mozart Masterpieces

Journey through operatic masterpieces of two eras as you discover the artistic evolution from Handel's Giulio Cesare to Mozart's Don Giovanni.

Journey through operatic masterpieces of two eras as you discover the artistic evolution from Handel's Giulio Cesare to Mozart's Don Giovanni.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of 18th-century opera with this engaging course from Harvard University. Over five weeks, you'll delve into two magnificent operas: Handel's "Giulio Cesare" and Mozart's "Don Giovanni". The course transports you to the premieres of these masterpieces, offering a unique glimpse into the musical and cultural landscapes of 1724 London and 1787 Prague. You'll explore the characteristics of Italian Baroque opera seria and discover Mozart's revolutionary approach to musical drama. Through in-depth analysis of these works, you'll gain insights into the evolution of operatic styles, the interplay between singers and orchestra, and the social contexts surrounding these performances. This course offers a rich, multifaceted exploration of two pivotal works in the history of opera, enhancing your appreciation of 18th-century music and its enduring impact.

4.9

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18th-Century Opera: Handel and Mozart Masterpieces

This course includes

5 Weeks

Of Self-paced video lessons

Beginner Level

Completion Certificate

awarded on course completion

17,739

What you'll learn

  • Understand the interaction between singers and orchestra in 18th-century opera

  • Explore how performances of Handel's and Mozart's operas have evolved since their premieres

  • Identify and analyze the basic structures of Baroque opera

  • Recognize essential characteristics of Classical music in the context of opera

  • Examine Mozart's techniques for representing characters through music

  • Compare the social and cultural contexts of the two opera premieres

Skills you'll gain

Opera
Baroque Music
Classical Music
Music History
Handel
Mozart
Musical Analysis
Performance Practice

This course includes:

PreRecorded video

Graded assignments, exams

Access on Mobile, Tablet, Desktop

Limited Access access

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Module Description

This course offers an in-depth exploration of 18th-century opera through two masterpieces: Handel's "Giulio Cesare" and Mozart's "Don Giovanni". Students will journey through time to experience the premieres of these operas in their original settings - London in 1724 and Prague in 1787. The curriculum covers the characteristics of Italian Baroque opera seria, the evolution of operatic styles, and Mozart's innovative approach to musical drama. Students will learn about the interaction between singers and orchestra, the historical performance practices, and how these works have been interpreted over time. The course also examines the social and cultural contexts of the premieres, providing a rich understanding of the role of opera in 18th-century society. Through comparative analysis, students will gain insights into the development of operatic forms and techniques from the Baroque to the Classical period.

Fee Structure

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.

18th-Century Opera: Handel and Mozart Masterpieces

This course includes

5 Weeks

Of Self-paced video lessons

Beginner Level

Completion Certificate

awarded on course completion

17,739

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.

4.9 course rating

7 ratings

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.