19th-Century Opera: Meyerbeer, Wagner, and Verdi
Discover how three landmark operas from the 1800s shaped musical history and society in this HarvardX exploration of operatic masterpieces.
Discover how three landmark operas from the 1800s shaped musical history and society in this HarvardX exploration of operatic masterpieces.
This course offers an in-depth exploration of three canonical operas from the 19th century: Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots, Wagner's Das Rheingold, and Verdi's Otello. Students will journey through central Europe, experiencing the premieres of these influential works. The course delves into the musical details, cultural contexts, and lasting legacies of each opera. Participants will learn about the technological advancements in staging, the evolution of operatic styles, and the cultural significance of these works. By examining the circumstances of composition, premiere performances, and contemporary relevance, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of 19th-century opera and its place in today's musical landscape.
Instructors:
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What you'll learn
Analyze the musical characteristics of 19th-century operas
Explain the technological advancements in opera staging during the 1800s
Compare and contrast the operatic styles of Meyerbeer, Wagner, and Verdi
Discuss the cultural impact and legacy of Les Huguenots, Das Rheingold, and Otello
Identify the key players and their roles in the premieres of these operas
Describe how Wagner's use of musical themes influenced later composers
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 exploration of 19th-century opera through the study of three iconic works: Les Huguenots by Meyerbeer, Das Rheingold by Wagner, and Otello by Verdi. Students will learn about the musical characteristics, cultural contexts, and technological innovations that shaped these operas. The curriculum covers the shift from French Grand Opera to Wagnerian music drama and its influence on later composers like Verdi. Participants will gain insights into the staging technologies of the 1830s, the use of leitmotifs in Wagner's operas, and the evolution of operatic styles throughout the century. The course also examines the social and cultural factors that influenced these works and their reception.
Fee Structure
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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