Description
Let’s prepare for the new opera season this Fall as we explore four operas from the standard repertoire which the MET is presenting in HD at movie theaters this fall. We begin with Vincenzo Bellini’s first mature masterpiece La Sonnambula (The Sleepwalker). The opera tells of the misadventure of a bride on the eve of her wedding. With beautiful melody and elaborate coloratura, Bellini enchants the ear while bringing the story to a happy ending. Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème is the most performed opera at the MET. – 1,373 performances as of June 2023. This opera has arias, duets and ensembles including the famous “Musetta’s Waltz”. Using the vocal score, we will follow the soprano, tenor and mezzo as they sing their major arias. We follow this up with Richard Strauss’ 1933 lyric comedy, Arabella. It is a story of love at first sight with the complications expected in a light-hearted work. Lyricism is the name the game here with a wonderful act one ending aria for the heroine Arabella. Our final opera, Umberto Giordano’s Andrea Chénier, contains more arias, duets and ensembles than there are fingers on both hands—and this includes four arias for the tenor! The lovers are caught in the crosshairs of the French revolution. The music expresses the intense passion contained in the opera. It’s all about the voice!
David Collins has been lecturing on opera in the greater Boston area for over 25 years. He had been Opera Boston’s resident lecturer for 8 years. He has given opera courses at MIT, Regis College, The Boston Center for Adult Education and The Cambridge Center for Adult Education as well as lecturing at Northeastern University. Dave is currently a trustee of The Boston Wagner Association. Dave received his Bachelor degree from Boston University’s School of Music, his Master’s from Lesley University and did post grad work at the New England Conservatory and the University of Connecticut – Hart School of Music.
PLEASE NOTE: This class begins on 10/14 and will meet on 11/4, 11/18, and 12/2
