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MUSV3129

Music in Venice, the 'Capital of Pleasure' (1650-1750)

Choose study year

Lessons are not given in the academic year 2025/2026

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Portfolio

About

About the course

Course content

Venice was one of the most important political, economic and cultural centres of the Baroque. It represented something unique in the European imagination: a Republic that defended its freedom and independence for centuries; a liberal and cosmopolitan centre in touch with different cultures; a decadent and pleasure seeking society immersed in a perennial carnival. Venice was also a most lively musical centre and the most important operatic centre in Europe; music punctuated daily life and participated in the city's self-representation and mythologization, while providing livelihood and international exposure to many musicians. Venice also offered unique opportunities to women musicians. While representative of the Baroque period, Venetian music and practices also influenced other composers, practices and musical life throughout Europe.

This course aims to develop students' understanding of the role of music and musicians (especially women musicians) in Venetian society and culture in its European and non-European context. Students will consider factors affecting music's composition, production and consumption, and will be encouraged to become familiar with a wide repertory of music. As a centre of cultural diversity on the border with the Ottoman Empire, Venice also offers the opportunity to observe how non-European, 'exotic' traditions were perceived and negotiated through the medium of music.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

An examinee with a completed qualification in MUSV3129

  • demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the role of music in Venetian society and culture during the baroque period
  • demonstrates familiarity with a wide range of music associated with the course
  • has a critical understanding of the interaction between music, theatre, culture and society in Sixteenth- and Eighteenth-century Venice
  • can evaluate the European significance of the Venetian musical scene

Skills:

An examinee with a completed qualification in MUSV3129

  • has the ability to analyse the interaction between music, theatre, culture and society
  • can select and research independently an appropriate area of study
  • has the ability to present knowledge, findings and critical insight in a coherent and convincing form both orally and in written form
  • can apply acquired knowledge and understanding in their own work

Learning methods and activities

Combined lectures and seminars.

Instruction is obligatory and demands minimum 80% attendance.

Compulsory assignments

  • 80% compulsory attendance

Further on evaluation

Portfolio containing two assignments assessed as a whole;

1 group presentation (script, reflection and self-evaluation): 3-4 pages (1500 words).

1 assignment: 8-9 pages (3500 words).

If the course is not passed, the student must retake the whole assessment. If the candidate retakes the exam there is no need to retake the compulsory assignments, but it is strongly recommended to follow the complete course again, as the form of evaluation is portfolio assessment.

Required previous knowledge

Requires admission to one of the Bachelor's or Master's programmes in Musicology, Music Technology, Music Performance Studies, Bachelor's programme in Drama and Theatre Studies, Bachelor's or Master's programme in History or Bachelor's programme in European Studies and Foreign Languages.

Subject areas

  • Gender Research
  • Music History
  • Cultural History
  • History
  • Musicology
  • Music Performance Studies

Contact information

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Music