French Romantic Opera
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute

In the second half of the 19th-century, a large selection of French composers emerged to challenge Italy's dominance of the operatic world. Composers like Gounod, Bizet, Offenbach, and Massenet would each write some of the most touching operas that have ever graced the stage. In this course, we will study six of the most prominent operas by French composers. Each week of this course will consist of an opening lecture followed by several audio and video examples that we will listen to and analyze in class. Before each class, members will be expected to listen to a video or audio recording (options provided by the instructor) of each opera before each class. Members do not have to have a background in classical music to enjoy this course. It is designed to offer something to everyone, from first-time opera listeners to people with 80 years of experience in enjoying opera.