DHUM 25A06 - Opera, Power and Politics

Embracing voice, music, theatre, poem and visual arts, opera can be considered as a “total” art form. It is endlessly reinvented by a changing society, which it also contributes to shape. Sometimes forbearing political events (some uprisings strarted in opera houses), often used as propaganda by the rulers of the time (from Louis XIV to Hitler and many others), opera entertains a unique relationship with the political power. During the Age of Enlightenment, opera became at times a vector of subtle social criticism and political utopia. Today, contemporary issues such as the #metoo movement can find their ways into opera staging, not without controversy. The course will propose a cross-thematic journey into opera, power and politics (history, sociology and philosophy will also be called upon when relevant) from Monteverdi to Mozart, Verdi, Wagner, John Adams and many others, confronting musical works with the dynamics of power. During the class, we will be watching various video extracts from operas as a basis for discussion and to foster the development of a personal critical perspective on the complex relationship between opera and power.

N/A

• Class participation and engagement 20%
• Group presentation (optional) 10%
• Flash MC quiz 20%
• Final in-class written examination (essay + MC) 50%