Giuseppe Verdi was the most influential composer of Italian opera from the mid-19th century to the near close of that century. An admirer of great literature, Verdi always claimed that Shakespeare was his favorite playwright. His dream was to set King Lear, but that project never came to fruition. Verdi did set three Shakespeare plays to music. In turn, he gave the opera world possibly the greatest Italian tragedy, Otello and comedy, Falstaff.
This class covers the Shakespeare operas, Macbeth, Otello, and Falstaff with regard to the composer's interaction with his librettists and through various historical recordings and videos.
912.571.01 Homewood campus
Thursdays, Oct. 4-25, 6:45-8:45 p.m.
Cost: $99 (four sessions)
JHU full-time faculty/staff are eligible for 80 percent tuition remission; spouse for 50 percent remission. You will need to call 410-516-8516 for registration details.
