Exploring 18th-Century Opera: Handel and Mozart

Delve into the vibrant world of 18th-century opera, where music and drama converged to create powerful storytelling. By the end of this course, you will understand the foundational elements of Baroque and Classical opera and be able to analyze key works by two of its most influential composers, Handel and Mozart. This knowledge will enable you to engage more deeply with operatic performances and discussions. What you'll learn: * Understand the historical and cultural context of 18th-century opera's development. * Analyze the distinct musical structures and dramatic conventions of Baroque and Classical opera. * Explore the unique compositional styles and thematic concerns of George Frideric Handel and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. * Critically evaluate the dramatic narratives, character development, and musical expression in *Giulio Cesare*. * Apply analytical frameworks to discuss the dramatic impact and legacy of *Don Giovanni*. * Identify key operatic forms and terminology, such as aria, recitative, and ensemble, and their functions. * Discuss modern approaches to understanding historical performance practices and interpretations of these works. The course begins with essential terminology and the historical backdrop of opera's evolution, then delves into the stylistic characteristics of the Baroque and Classical eras, culminating in a detailed study of selected works by Handel and Mozart. This course is designed for absolute beginners with no prior knowledge of music history or opera. All concepts are introduced from scratch. Begin your journey into the captivating world of 18th-century opera today.