Performing Arts   

Our favorite songs shine like jewels in the treasure chests of our memories. Long after much of what we have read or heard fades away, the lyrics to our favorite songs retain their pleasure, poignancy and power to enliven and inspire. In this highly participatory course, we will explore the artistry of especially well-written song lyrics, treating them as the works of art they are. Each participant will present several favorite songs for class discussion.

Our favorite songs shine like jewels in the treasure chests of our memories. Long after much of what we have read or heard fades away, the lyrics to our favorite songs retain their pleasure, poignancy and power to enliven and inspire. In this highly participatory course, we will explore the artistry of especially well-written song lyrics, treating them as the works of art they are. Each participant will present several favorite songs for class discussion.

From "Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" to "To be, or not to be," we have all heard iconic lines that begin great monologues in tragedies by William Shakespeare (1564-1616). But what is their context, what do they mean and how have they been performed? Each week, we will read and discuss several monologues from one play and watch video clips from important stage and film productions.

We will survey the most popular operas by Italian composer Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), including Manon Lescaut (1893), La Bohème (1896), Tosca (1900), Madama Butterfly (1904) and Il Trittico (1918). We will finish with Turandot (1926) with its greatest aria, “Nessun Dorma.” Note: Participants may choose to attend each week either in-person or online.