Wagner and song

Discover the enthralling yet less familiar world of Wagner songs. We will chart the evolution of his style through the solo song repertoire and explore the role of song form within his operas.

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Key course information

Dates
13/01/12 - 23/03/12

Day(s)
Fri

Duration
10 weeks

Time
11:00 - 13:00

Fees
Full fee: £119
Senior fee: £67
Concession: £32

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
MD036

Availability
This course has finished

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
music@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2630

Course outline

What is the course about?

The course spotlights one of the less familiar aspects of Richard Wagner’s oeuvre: his songs. With consideration of his early songs and the use of songs in operas, the main focus is on the background, genesis and reception of the most famous cycle he composed, the five Wesendonck Lieder, and explores its close relationship to Tristan und Isolde.

What topics will we cover?

The course will explore the fascinating crossover between private and public realms in the life and works of Richard Wagner, notably in the Wesendonck Lieder. Enhanced with latest research into the music and biographical context of the five songs he once called ‘his finest work’, we shall discover to what extent Wagner’s liaison with Mathilde Wesendonck was the stimulus and inspiration for his operatic ‘monument to love’ Tristan und Isolde. Different recordings will be compared. Part of the course will be an introduction to Wagner’s less familiar early songs and arias, and a study of how song forms are connected into the larger operatic structures of works like Der Fliegender Hollaender, Tannhauser, Die Meistersinger and Der Ring des Nibelungen.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Understand the place of song in Wagner’s output as a whole and be familiar with the most important song cycle he composed, the Wesendonck Lieder.
- Understand the close connection between these songs and the masterpiece Tristan und Isolde.
- Appreciate the role of ‘leitmotif’ in the Third Act of Tristan in which one of the songs is quoted.
- Have a deeper understanding of Wagner’s style in general and the role of song within his music dramas.
- Appreciate the differences of interpretation amongst different recordings of the Wesendonck Lieder.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

For students who have attended general music appreciation sessions. You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English, engage in class discussions and take notes in English.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Illustrated lectures with some DVD and CD and live demonstrations, as well as handouts for easy reference.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

None.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2630

music@citylit.ac.uk

Auditions and Advice Information

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

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