Essential Opera: Opera Exotica

In this six-week survey course, we will explore six different operas, beginning with Mozart’s The Abduction from the Seraglio and ending with Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, each of which is set in an exotic location. By examining highlights from each piece, we will discover how a composer’s musical style can be enhanced in order to reflect the cultural essence of each opera’s setting.

Readings:

Resources will be recommended as the course develops.

Ross Crolius holds a BM from Peabody Conservatory and an MM from the Eastman School of Music. He sang professionally in New York for more that 30 years, including 25 years as a chorister and comprimario soloist with the Metropolitan Opera. Upon retirement, he taught voice and opera appreciation in the New York area as well as at Ithaca College and Westfield State College.

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