HISTORY OF MUSIC PRODUCTION 1

The course is part of the historical-artistic teachings that characterize the Master’s Degree in Economics and Management of Arts and Cultural Activities (EGArt) It offers an in-depth analysis of the main concepts related to the different musical production systems, their historical development and provides methodological tools for understanding and critically discussing artistic-musical phenomena and their production, with particular reference to music theatre.
The course is part of two related modules (see History of Modern and Contemporary Music EM3E28-2). Students obtain 12 credits when passing both partial exams.

The course aims to provide the main coordinates of musical production systems focusing in particular on the opera house. Students will be able to understand the management mechanisms of the opera institution both from the point of view of its historical evolution and with respect to the modern planning of theatre seasons and artistic production.

In particular, the basic objectives of the course are:
- the ability to situate the various models of opera management and production from a historical perspective;
- acquire a basic methodology of scientific research on the subject;
- to develop a critical point of view with respect to the bibliography and the various analyses of case studies proposed during the lectures
- the ability to interact with experts in the sector.

No entry requirements are requested.

The module is divided into two parts. The first part provides an overview of the historical development of opera production systems, from the emergence of public opera in the seventeenth century to the most recent transformations of the sector. Particular attention will be devoted to organisational structures, management models, professional roles, and the relationships among institutions, artists, patrons, and audiences. The second part focuses on a specific case study: the Teatro La Fenice in Venice. Through the analysis of a selection of significant productions, students will explore the decision-making and organisational processes involved in the creation of an operatic performance, with particular attention to the relationships between the theatre institution, composers, performers, conductors, stage directors, technical staff, and funding bodies.
A substantial part of the module will also be devoted to the direct observation of contemporary production practices. Thanks to the collaboration with the Teatro La Fenice, the course will include site visits, meetings with industry professionals and artists involved in current productions, as well as the opportunity to attend the dress rehearsal of an opera production. Through these activities, students will examine the different stages involved in the creation of an operatic performance, from artistic planning and the genesis of a work to staging, rehearsals, communication strategies, and audience outreach. The module will provide insight into production processes, organisational structures, cultural marketing, mediation activities, and audience development, offering a practical understanding of how a contemporary opera house operates.

B. L. Glixon, J. E. Glixon, Inventing the business of opera: the impresario and his world in seventeenth-century Venice. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2006, pp. 3-33 e 109-224.
JOHN ROSSELLI, Il sistema produttivo 1780-1880, in Storia dell’opera italiana, IV: Il sistema produttivo e le sue competenze, a cura di Lorenzo Bianconi e Giorgio Pestelli, Torino, EdT, 1987, pp. 79-166.
FIAMMA NICOLODI, Il sistema produttivo dall’Unità a oggi, Storia dell’opera italiana, IV: Il sistema produttivo e le sue competenze, a cura di Lorenzo Bianconi e Giorgio Pestelli, Torino, EdT, 1987, pp. 167-229.
Organizzare musica. Legislazione, produzione, distribuzione, gestione nel sistema italiano, a cura di Cecilia Balestra e Alfonso Malaguti, Milano, Angeli, 2006, pp. 101-168.

Further readings and bibliographical references will be provided at the beginning of the course.

Verification of the course preparation will be conducted by means of an oral examination. Three questions will be asked, relating to the contents of the textbooks and essays included in the programme.

oral

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

The grading criteria will take into consideration the correctness and propriety in the use of theoretical lexicon (30%), the punctuality and extent of knowledge of the topics explored in depth in class and in any case learnt through the study of the exam bibliography (30%); the ability to critically elaborate the knowledge acquired to the case studies presented from time to time (30%), without forgetting a focus on the care of oral exposition (10%).

Grades in bands 18-22 will be awarded where the aforementioned points reach a sufficient level; grades in bands 23-26 will be awarded where the aforementioned points reach a fair level; grades in bands 27-30 will be awarded where the aforementioned points reach an excellent level; honours will be awarded where the aforementioned points reach an excellent level.

Frontal lessons integrated with readings, musical examples and guided listening. Expert contributions on specific course topics are planned.

During the first lesson the assessment methods and the structure of the course will be presented. Attendance is recommended.

Ca ’Foscari applies Italian law (Law 17/1999; Law 170/2010) for the support and accommodation services available to students with disabilities or specific learning disabilities. If you have a motor, visual, hearing or other disability (Law 17/1999) or a specific learning disorder (Law 170/2010) and you require support (classroom assistance, technological aids for carrying out exams or exams individualized, accessible format material, note retrieval, specialist tutoring to support the study, interpreters or other) contact the Disability and DSA office disita@unive.it.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development