Introduction to Opera (4 of 5)
Rameau, the Other, and Les Indes galantes (1735)
Sing and play along with eighteenth-century excerpts from Rameau’s opéra-ballet Les Indes galantes as we apply a critical lens to Rameau’s representation of the Other in this work, supported by musical examples performed by Grammy award-winning early music specialist Aaron Sheehan and violinist David Wilson. Rameau chose specific sounds, styles, and structures to represent racial, cultural, or ethnic distinctions to French audiences in a time of colonial expansion and multiple intercultural encounters and exchanges. Owing to the power imbalance that occurs in these representations, we consider key theoretical approaches that can help us understand how these Others appear in western European music.
In the first entrée (Act 1) of Les Indes galantes, “Le Turc genereux,” we will consider practical approaches to French ornamentation through the treatises and musical examples of Bertrand de Bacilly (1668) and Monsieur Lambert (1669) as well as the performance of ariette (aria) and selected instrumental works – all useful additions to your musical toolbox. Music, materials, and play-along recordings will be provided in advance. Join us to explore the culturally rich and expressive sonic world of French opera performed by Grammy award-winning singer Aaron Sheehan!
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Starting on May 1, join us for three months of virtual class offerings from our Baroque, Classical, Medieval/Renaissance, and Recorder Workshops! Whether you are a casual listener or a dedicated community player, we have over 100 lectures, demonstrations, and play-along sessions just for you.