Topics in Contemporary Repertoire (437-0-1)

Topic

Voice vs. Narrative - Contemporary Opera

Instructors

Hans Thomalla
h-thomalla@northwestern.edu
Native of Bonn, Germany. Recipient of numerous awards including the 2004 Kranichsteiner Musikpreis and the 2005 Christoph Delz Prize. Has been a fellow of the Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Music has been performed by major German ensembles, including the SWR-Radiosinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Freiburg, SR-Sinfonieorchester, Ensemble Modern, and Ensemble Recherche. A CD of his works forthcoming on the Wergo label. Has also been affiliated with the Stuttgart Opera as a dramaturg and programmer for the new-music concert series <em>Dialoge</em>. For more information, visit Hans Thomalla's personal web site.

Meeting Info

RCMA Lower Level 121: Tues 2:00PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

The class will undertake a survey of 20th and 21st century operas with a special focus on works with innovative positions towards the relation of music (voice) and narrative. After a brief analysis of the point of departure (Wagner's "Tristan", Berg's "Wozzeck") we will discuss works that have radically challenged the traditional understanding of opera: Phillip Glass' "Einstein On the Beach", Morton Feldman's  "Neither", Chaya Czernowin's "Pnima", Helmut Lachenmann's "Mädchen mit den Schwefelhölzern" as well as works by Liza Lim, and David T. Little. Furthermore, we will look at tendencies in contemporary theater and dance, (Wilson, Wooster Group, Forsythe, Bausch) and discuss aesthetic concepts that influence contemporary opera composition. An important part of the class will be a creative workshop: the students will work on drafting an opera project.

Registration Requirements

None

Learning Objectives

Gain insight into contemporary opera composition and explore ideas for an opera project developed by the student.

Teaching Method

Lecture / workshop / discussion

Evaluation Method

Midterm presentation, final presentation, class preparation

Class Materials (Required)

PDF readings provided by instructor.