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Verdi Does Shakespeare: Macbeth, Othello, Falstaff -- John Frey
At least 23 of Shakespeare's plays have been turned into operas. Among them, all three of the adaptations by Verdi - Macbetto, Otello and Falstaff - have achieved a permanent place in the international repertory. Verdi's love of Shakespeare persisted with ever-growing fervor during his life. By his bedside at his home at Sant' Agata Verdi kept a bookcase which contained two sets of Shakespeare's complete works, both translated into Italian.
Verdi is one of the few composers who created solid operatic masterpieces from Shakespeare plays - Macbetto and Otello are great tragedies and Falstaff ( adapted from The Merry Wives of Windsor) is the last of two comic operas that Verdi composed during his lifetime. These operas not only succeeded at the time of their premieres but have grown in stature over the years, standing out even from Verdi's own impressive line of great works.
In this series of six 3-hour presentations you will explore the characteristics of the Verdi adaptations of three of Shakespeares plays by viewing videos of Shakespeares Macbeth, Othello and The Merry Wives of Windsor and of Verdis Macbetto, Otello and Falstaff. You will view Lady Macbeths famous Sleepwalking scene, listen to Desdemonas wistful Willow Song and chuckle at Falstaffs comeuppance as he is outwitted by the Merry Wives.
Each session consists of a 30-minute commentary and discussion as well as a 2.5-hr video for each of the musicals. Your instructor will provide you with a 56-page syllabus that will include (1) an analysis of the plot of each of the works, (2) a synopsis and list of characters, (3) a description of the source material that inspired the works and (4) brief biographies of authors, composers and performers. You will also receive a list of recommended CDs, DVDs and books.
John Frey is a retired Chemistry professor and a member of the boards of LLCC, Festival Mozaic and of Opera Lovers Meet. He has performed in the chorus of Opera San Luis Obispo and the SLO Master Chorale. He has had a lifelong love and passion for opera, choral music and musical theater. He has made numerous commentaries and video presentations for SLOs Opera Lovers, OperaSLO and LLCC.
Thursdays, January 5, 12, 19, February 2 , 9, 16 2017, 1:00pm- 4:00pm Six Sessions No class on January 26
Odd Fellows Hall SLO
If you would like to have the password for the member price for this course, go to www.lifelearnerscc.org for information on how you can become a member.
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LocationOdd Fellows Hall (View)
520 Dana St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
United States
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