Short course
The Operas of Verdi
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates and time:
18/01/2027 - 22/03/202714:00 - 16:00
Study format:
In-person weekly
Fees:
£315.00
Giuseppe Verdi was the most influential Italian opera composer of the second half of the 19th century. His extraordinary gift for melody, combined with an instinctive feel for dramatic structure, has ensured that many of his operas remain in the repertory today. This course will examine Verdi's life through a detailed consideration of his most important operas: from his earliest troubles and then success with Nabucco, through his triumphant middle period with Rigoletto and La Traviata, to the ever-evolving musical styles of his later operas, Aida, Otello and Falstaff.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Course starts Monday 18 January 2027
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Mondays, 2.00-4.00pm.
Week 1: The early years – Oberto to Nabucco
Week 2: Macbeth
Week 3: Rigoletto
Week 4: La Traviata
Week 5: Simon Boccanegra
Week 6: La Forza del Destino
Week 7: Don Carlos
Week 8: Aida
Week 9: Otello
Week 10: Falstaff
Course aims
Course aim:
The aim of this course is to chart Verdi’s life and development as a composer, from his earliest success with Nabucco, through the lyrical triumphs of his middle period, Rigoletto and La Traviata, through to the great Shakespearean masterpieces of his final years.
Course objectives:
1. To examine Verdi’s life and work
2. To chart his development as a composer through a study of his major works
3. To consider his legacy and influence on later opera composers.
Learning outcomes
At the conclusion of this course students will be expected to be able to:
1. give an account of Verdi’s life
2. have a clear picture of Verdi’s creative development
3. demonstrate a deeper knowledge of Verdi’s major works.
Level and demands
The Department’s Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.
No prior knowledge of music is necessary to appreciate this course.
Teaching methods
The course will be illustrated by audio and video extracts, mostly co-ordinated by computer. All visual illustrations, including scores, opera texts, video and DVD extracts will be projected on to a large screen. Audio recordings will be played through high quality hi-fi. There will also be live demonstrations by the tutor.
Assessment methods
This course is not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.
Miss Claire-Louise Lucas
Claire-Louise Lucas is a professional mezzo-soprano and a part-time music tutor. She lectures on opera and song for Oxford University Department for Continuing Education. She has lectured on singing in conservatoires and other universities in the UK and the USA.
Claire-Louise has performed extensively throughout Britain, Europe and the USA, including an appearance as a soloist in the Salzburg Easter Festival with Maurizio Pollini and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra under Claudio Abbado. Other recent performances include concerts at Gloucester Cathedral; Christ Church Cathedral; Salisbury Cathedral; Southampton University; the Leominster Festival and the Brighton Festival.
Digital badge
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.
After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course fee | £315.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses
Recommended reading
Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.
Library facilities
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are also welcome to use the Library for reference.
- More information about the Library can be found on the Bodleian Libraries website.
- This guide for Weekly Class students also provides further information.
Preparatory reading
- The New Grove Masters of Italian Opera / Ashbrook, Budden et al.
Module code: O26P508MSW
How to enrol
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page.