Great Opera Choruses

Subject MUSI10154 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 1 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2011.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 2-hour rehearsal each week
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: N/A
Recommended Background Knowledge: The ability to read music would be an advantage but is not compulsory
Non Allowed Subjects: Not available to BMus students
Core Participation Requirements: It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Contact

VCA and Music Student Centre
234 St Kilda Rd, Southbank

Tel: +61 3 9685 9322
Fax: +61 3 9685 9358
Web: www.vcam.unimelb.edu.au/contact_us.html

School of Music - Parkville
Conservatorium Building

Tel: +61 3 8344 5256
Fax: +61 3 8344 5346
Email via: http://music-unimelb.custhelp.com
Web: www.bmus.unimelb.edu.au and www.music.unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: Students will have the opportunity to sing some of the great choruses from the operatic repertoire covering the period from Purcell to the early 20th century. Repertoire will include examples from the Italian, French, German, Russian and English operatic repertoires.
Objectives: On completion of this subject students should be able to:
  • perform a variety of operatic choruses with confidence and a degree of musical understanding
  • have an understanding of musical styles and periods as demonstrated through the choral literature
  • have an understanding of the concepts of text and music combining to create drama
  • assess the place of the chorus in the dramatic art form known as opera
  • have an appreciation for the way in which the voice is capable of expressing a wide range of human emotions through text and music
  • have an understanding of the way in which the voice works as a musical instrument
  • have an understanding of the musical elements involved in the composition of a chorus such as melody, rhythm, harmony and language.
Assessment: Assessment will be on a pass/fail basis and will be based on preparation of parts, individual and/or sectional practice and active participation in all rehearsals, classes and performances as directed (75%); 3 web-based multiple choice tests, based on assigned reading, relevant to the experience of music performance, in week 4, 8 and 12 (25%).

Less than 80% attendance will result in a fail. All assessment components must be passed in order to pass the subject.
Prescribed Texts: A reading pack will be available for purchase from the Bookroom at the start of semester.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: On completion of this subject students should be able to:
  • demonstrate teamwork skills in rehearsal and performance
  • apply time and people management skills to rehearsal and performance planning
  • study selected repertoire to performance standard
  • demonstrate a capacity to think critically and independently

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