7. An Extravagant Art. By 1830, Paris had become the opera capital of the world, largely through the ability of its theaters to mount productions with striking scenic effects, and provide the large orchestras, choruses, and ballets required to put on an impressive show. The form that emerged, grand opéra, was largely the creation of one man, Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791–1864), yet his example immediately attracted similar works by Rossini, Donizetti, and others, and would have a lasting influence on Verdi, Wagner, and opera in general through the end of the century.

The first hour will consist of an overview of Meyerbeer’s masterpiece, Les Huguenots (1836), which happens to be the one opera of the period available in a production that comes close to the original in style. In the second hour, we look at two characteristic aspects of grand opéra—ballet and pageantry—to see how they surfaced again in operas by Wagner and Verdi, and how they are treated by modern directors working in an era when stylistic expectations have changed so completely! rb.

 
The script, videos, and images will be posted immediately after class.