A Short Introduction to the Opera

Timetable

Module aim (aims)

The course aims to present knowledge of basic opera literature, famous performers, and major world theaters. The acquired knowledge will provide content useful in the cultural life of a well-educated person, for example, during a business small talk or other conversation touching on cultural issues. 
Opera is an interesting genre, both in terms of content and the way it functions socially. The course will be based on an interdisciplinary approach, primarily sociological, based on the latest musicological research. 

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Interest in the presented topics.

Syllabus

History of opera based on the main canonical works.
The most important performers - past and present (singers, conductors, directors).
Staging trends in contemporary opera theater.
The most famous opera theaters.
An outline of the opera criticism (listening, evaluation of performances, discussion).

Reading list

Jarosław Mianowski, W krzywym lustrze opery, Toruń 2011.

Carolyn Abbate, Roger Parker, A History of Opera. The Last 400 Years, London 2015.

John Potter, Neil Sorell, A History of Singing, Cambridge 2012.

Roger Parker, A Short History of Opera, New York 2003.

Charles Osborne, The Opera Lover's Companion, New Haven 2007.