Great composers: Gilbert and Sullivan
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- Start Date: 05 Aug 2025End Date: 05 Aug 2025Tue (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:00In PersonFull fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00
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What is the course about?
This is a one-day course with a schedule as follows:
Session 01 (10.30-13.00)
Lunch break (13.00-14.00)
Session 02 (14.00-16.00)
This course explores the collaboration between W. S. Gilbert and Aurthur Sullivan and their career in producing operettas in late Victorian England. It will explore the genre including studying the working relationship between the pair, musical composition, political satire and it legacy within today’s popular culture.
What will we cover?
Introduce the collection of operettas by Gilbert and Sullivan.
Place the works in historical and political context.
Introduction to the structure of the works such as ‘patter songs.'
Explore what make these works quintessentially ‘British’ in nature and the subtle satire they present on the British establishment.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Form an overview of the works of Gilbert and Sulivan in terms of operatic works and their collaborative relationship.
List characteristics of Gilbert and Sullivan operetta.
Form an understanding Gilbert and Sullivan in terms of composition and historical context.
Understand the legacy of the pair and the resonance of these works within modern popular culture.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course in intended to be accessible for anyone with an interest in western classical music. We will look at various scores and historical documents during this course but you do not need to read music notation to participate in these activities. All texts will be in English, or accompanied by an English translation. Musical scores are all available free online via IMSLP.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Sessions will combinations of lecture, discussion, quizzes, guided listening, video and score study. Course materials (handouts, scores, links to online videos) will be shared via google classroom. You will be encouraged to do extra reading outside class.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You may also wish to purchase some of the music books or recordings discussed in class, links to these materials will be available online after each session.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
To find out more about music history classes Music history courses in London and online which lists our full programme of classes ordered by term, and by day of the week. You may then click on each title to read the full course outline.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
