Great Opera Choruses#

Subject 740-010 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

On campus
For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 2-hour rehearsal each week, plus attendance at 3 public concerts during semester
Total Time Commitment: 120 hours
Prerequisites: The ability to read music would be an advantage but is not compulsory
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
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.
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: This subject is marked on a Pass/Fail only basis.

Assessment will be on a pass/fail basis and will be based on punctual attendance at and participation in all rehearsals and performances as directed; attendance and submission of a concert report of three public professional choral concerts (500 words each due end of semester) (100%).

Less than 80% attendance will result in a fail. All assessment components must be passed in order to pass the subject.
Prescribed Texts: None
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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