| Description: | This course offers students an approach to understanding Italian culture and society through an exploration of its rich and varied musical traditions. Mountainous geography and political struggles have given Italy a wide variety of musical styles and cultures. Taking the form of a musical journey across Italy, the course explores sacred, secular and dramatic music from the major Italian cities and also strays off the beaten path to discover the vibrant folk traditions of villages and rural communities. We trace the threads that link art and popular music - how composers from Bach, Corelli, Handel and Vivaldi to Rossini, Verdi and Berio were inspired by Italy's folk traditions. In their work, you can hear the echoes of Italy's traditional dances, peasant sound-worlds, street-cries, street theatre and carnival music. The course also explores the origins and influence of Italy's dramatic and lyrical tradition, from the early multi-media spectacles of 16th-century Florence to the patriotic operas of Verdi and the realism of Puccini. There will also be a look at lighter musical genres with special attention to the themes of music and food, drinking songs, music and love and musical comedy. Classes will include musical illustrations and demonstrations and students will also be encouraged to go to related concerts and musical events in Florence and Tuscany. In this way they will have the opportunity to develop an original and important perspective on the culture of Italy. |