A History of French Opera
One of the most frequently performed operas in the world is Bizet’s Carmen. In this course we explore the evolution of opera in France from the creation of the tragédie lyrique and opéra ballet by Lully at the glittering court of Louis XIV; through the works of Rameau to the French ‘reform’ operas of Gluck in the 18th century. We also discuss the developments during the 19th century, with works by Berlioz, Massenet and Debussy, among others.
