By the mid-seventeenth century the development of an opera repertoire for a certain type of paying public was well under way. Yet, while this certainly changed the cultural landscape of secular vocal music from that point forward, it did not eradicate the popular interest and development of vocal music for private chamber settings, including sacred themed music for private use and making. Studying other vocal genres and the venues in which they were performed side by side with opera at this crucial moment in operatic history presents us with a more complete picture of singing culture from 1650-1750s. In order to become a success in this climate, singers not only needed to be musically but also politically savvy. This module will explore the political and social systems which these singers needed to negotiate and exploit in order to maintain their popularity and social status. We will also focus on the social and cultural issues which shaped the musical development of the different repertories in which they were expected to participate. Musical features of these genres will be studied side by side with the patrons, singers, and composers of these repertoires and will be interpreted through issues of gender, class / social status, reception, the musical canon and the conception of the early modern body.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
analyse at an advanced level the varied vocal repertoires studied, including suitable pieces not discussed in seminars as examples in support of their commentaries and evaluations
discuss and analyse with sophistication and nuance different social and cultural influences on the development of the musical genres studied at an advanced level
cite and, where appropriate, analyse, specific and suitable pieces of music as examples in support of their commentaries and evaluations at an advanced level
demonstrate an advanced ability to undertake independent research by using primary sources and bibliographical tools, as appropriate
Assessment
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment:
Assessment 1: 2000-word Essay (50%) Assessment 2: 2000-word Essay or 15 minute Presentation. Students can choose from an in-person presentation or a recorded PowerPoint presentation. (50%)
Alternative assessment if on campus activity is restricted: live presentations will either become recorded presentations or conducted via Zoom/Skype
Reassessment:
Re-submission applies to LH and LM modules
Re-submit failed component. The re-submission of the presentation will be a recorded PowerPoint.
