Opera has many traditions – and one of the most famous is how the female heroine meets a tragic fate. The stereotype is so commonplace that it became a sports analogy when sportswriter Dan Cook penned in 1976, “The opera ain’t over until the fat lady sings.” In this lecture, we will observe how composers use soprano voices as tragic heroines, looking at the compositional and storytelling aspects of the operas. Natalie Mann, who holds a Doctor of Music from Indiana University, will present a fresh perspective on how listeners can evaluate operas. In addition to the lecture, she will also be performing arias from the selected operas live with pianist Bruce Mangum. This lecture is part of a two-day series.
The Resurgence of Salon Culture and Why It Matters Today
I grew up on a farm with a large family, and not much else to do. We found ways to entertain each other, which usually included performing for one another. I remember very fondly, standing up and speaking or singing in front of my family. The roots of the modern salon...
