Opera in Focus: Verdi and Wagner

Verdi and Wagner are giants in the world of opera. Their output was (one way or another) vast and deeply influential, and it is essential listening for anyone who wants to know more about the genre. Yet it might also seem odd to place them side-by-side: the lyrical Italian tunesmith behind Il Trovatore and La Traviata might at first glance seem to have nothing at all in common with the densely philosophical Germanic creator of such monoliths as Der Ring des Nibelungen and Parsifal. However, their sources of influence, the times they lived through, and their deep concern over issues such as text, drama, and national identity overlap more than we might expect.

This course explores the lives of these two composers in parallel, moving from their inspirations in the early nineteenth century all the way through to the heights of their fame and to their late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century successors.

Required Previous Experience (if any)

No previous experience is necessary.

Required Reading Material or Special Equipment Needed (if any)

None specified

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course you will be better prepared to:

• demonstrate knowledge of the lives, works, and historical contexts of Giuseppe Verdi and Richard Wagner, including the musical and cultural influences that shaped their careers.
• analyse key themes in their operas—such as national identity, text and music, drama and comedy—and consider how these were expressed differently or similarly by each composer.
• evaluate the legacy of Verdi and Wagner within the broader history of opera, identifying their influence on later composers and ongoing debates about their place in the operatic canon.

Teaching and Learning Approach

The teaching and learning approach for this course combines tutor-led instruction, group activities, and independent study supported by individual guidance from the tutor. Classes are conducted face-to-face online and utilise diverse teaching methods, including presentations, multimedia resources, class discussions, and interactive activities. These methods are selected to engage students, accommodate varied learning styles, and support effective understanding of the subject matter. The approach is also designed to recognise and be responsive to the diverse experiences, backgrounds, identities, and cultural perspectives represented within the student cohort, fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.

Additional information

This course descriptor may be subject to change during the delivery of the course, depending on the specific direction and nature of the learner cohort, and is intended to be responsive to the group dynamics as they emerge during the delivery of the course.