course-details-portlet

MUSV3133 - Music and Theatre

About

Lessons are not given in the academic year 2024/2025

Course content

What is the role of music in the history of Western theatre? How has music’s dramatic function changed over time and across genres? How has the theory and practice of theatre shaped musical dramatic forms such as madrigal comedy, opera, ballet and melodrama?

This course explores the variable role of music in Western theatre and their reciprocal influences through the lens of the tradition of commedia dell’arte from the early modern period to today. Students will be introduced to contemporary theoretical and dramatic writings and will examine a range of musical, theatrical and visual texts illuminating the relationship between music, words, movement and staging. Part of the course will focus on the tradition of commedia dell’arte, the practice of improvisation and its performers in early modern Europe. The course will then guide students to explore a range of examples of how commedia aesthetics, techniques and improvisation practices have been understood, assimilated and challenged in later theories of theatre and works. Examples may include Renaissance carnival and popular songs, madrigal comedies, Mozart’s operas, Stravinsky’s ballets and other examples from 20th and 21st century musical theatre.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

An examinee with a completed qualification in MUSV3133

  • Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of the relationship between music and drama in Western theatre in selected examples from the early modern period to the twenty-first century
  • Has a critical understanding of the concept and role of improvisation in the early modern period.
  • Has a critical understanding of the tradition of commedia dell’arte and its impact on the history of Western musical theatre.
  • Demonstrates an understanding of theoretical and methodological perspectives from other disciplines

Skills

An examinee with a completed qualification in MUSV3133

  • Has the ability to present knowledge, findings and critical insight in a coherent and convincing form both orally and in writing
  • Demonstrates the acquisition of independent and appropriate research skills through written projects on topics related to the course
  • Can draw on concepts and skills encountered during the course and be able to use them critically to evaluate a wide range of related works

Learning methods and activities

Combined lectures and seminars.

Compulsory assignments

  • Satisfactory participation in compulsory instruction and other activities

Further on evaluation

1 portfolio (with assignments given out during the course)

The total text for the portfolio should have a maximum length of 15 pages (line-spacing 1.5/12-point font size) or equivalent (excluding music examples and bibliography).

Assignments may include essays, reviews, smaller projects, etc.

If the course is not passed, the student must retake the whole assessment.

More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  7.5 SP
Study level: Second degree level

Coursework

No

Language of instruction: English

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • Music History
  • European Studies
  • Cultural History
  • Drama and Theatre Studies
  • Musicology
  • Music Performance Studies
Contact information

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Music

Timetable

List view
Calendar view

Examination

  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

More on examinations at NTNU