Puccini’s operas are a staple of the opera repertory, and all have as a central figure a heroine—a soprano who often, but not always, has a tragic death.  This course will look at five of his memorable leading ladies, from La Boheme, Tosca, Madama Butterfly, La Fanciulla del West, and Turandot to see how he presents his heroines, and how his treatment changes over time.  The leading ladies in the last two are very much alive when the curtain falls.  For each opera, we will look at two or more different productions to see how the work changes with the interpretation of different directors. The DVDs we will be looking at all have subtitles, so you will understand everything being said—or rather, sung—and no prior knowledge of music or opera is required.  Even if you are a newcomer to the world of opera, you will be drawn into the pathos, drama, and beauty of these wonderful works, beautifully staged, and beautifully sung!

The majority of class time will be spent in looking at DVDs of the opera being discussed, after it has been introduced.  This is not primarily a discussion course, but there should be some time each week to discuss impressions of the different versions presented.  Preparation time should be less than an hour each week to read the provided synopses of the operas.  Librettos (the text of the opera in Italian and English) will also be provided but reading them in advance isn’t required, as all the operas shown will have subtitles.  There may also be links to short articles or other short clips, and those are mostly optional.