MUS4140

Theatrical music

C Williams

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Clayton
* Prerequisites: MUS3310
* Prohibitions: MUS3170, MUS2170

Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should have an understanding of the complexity of the relationship between a dramatic text and its musical setting in the theatre as well as a number of methods of analytical inquiry which can be applied specifically to theatrical music.

Synopsis As for MUS3130. The major focus of the subject is on the history and repertoire of opera with some attention paid to minor forms such as operetta and Singspiel and the constantly popular musical. Opera is the most important of the forms resulting from the combinations of music and theatrical representation. It is a highly complex form, enlisting many different arts in its service: music, drama, poetry, acting, dance, stage-design, costuming etc. The primary concentration is on the music element of this combination, though attention will be paid to other elements of this dramatic experience.

Assessment Written (4000 words): 45%
* Examinations (3 hours): 40%
* Assignments: 15%

Prescribed texts

Grout D J A A short history of opera Columbia U P, 3rd edn. 1988

Set Works

Purcell H Dido and Aeneas (Kalmus)
Mozart W Don Giovanni (Eulenberg/Miniature scores)
Wagner R Die Meistersinger (Eulenberg/Miniature scores)