Unit information: Richard Wagner's Der Ring in 2010/11

Unit name	Richard Wagner's Der Ring
Unit code	MUSI30040
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Professor. Pickard
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	This unit is normally only available to students registered on a Single or Joint Honours Music programme.
Co-requisites	None
School/department	Department of Music
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

This option is dedicated to a detailed examination of Wagner's Ring cycle: its sources, contexts, content and interpretation. Aside from a thorough examination of music, text and drama in each of its four constituent music dramas, we shall consider such issues as the influences on Wagner, his theories of opera and drama, his politics, the Festspielhaus, the history of the performance of The Ring, as well as discussion of a range of current controversies in Wagner criticism.

Aims:

This unit aims to develop understanding of one of the key works of the 19th century, Wagners Der Ring. In addition to looking in detail at the music, the philosophical contexts for this cycle of four operas will be considered, along with performance matters and strategies for criticism of the Wagnerian music-drama.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

• discuss relevant historical, theatrical, musical, theoretical and philosophical contexts for Der Ring

• demonstrate a close knowledge of selected scenes from the work

• discuss the performance contexts and reception history of Der Ring

• Research and present an essay in a standard musicological format

And additionally (specific to Level H) to:

• incorporate a consistently strong grasp of detail with respect to content

• argue effectively and at length (including an ability to cope with complexities and to describe and deploy these effectively)

• display to a high level skills in selecting, applying, interpreting and organising information, including evidence of a high level of bibliographical control

• describe, evaluate and/or challenge current scholarly thinking

• discriminate between different kinds of information, processes, interpretations

• take a critical stance towards scholarly processes involved in arriving at historical knowledge and/or relevant secondary literature

• engage with relevant theoretical, philosophical or social constructs for understanding relevant works or traditions

• demonstrate an understanding of concepts and an ability to conceptualise

• situate material within relevant contexts (invoking interdisciplinary contexts where appropriate)

apply strategies laterally (perhaps leading to innovative results)

Teaching Information

Seminars (NB. taught together with Year s).

Assessment Information

One coursework essay of c.3000 words (50%); 2-hr examination (50%)

NB the essay and examination questions will be specific to this level, as will the assessment criteria.

Reading and References

• C. Dahlhaus, Richard Wagners Music Dramas (Cambridge, 1979)

• B. Magee, Aspects of Wagner (London, 1972)

• C. Abbate & R. Parker, Analyzing Opera; Verdi and Wagner (Berkeley, 1989)

• J. Deathridge & C. Dahlhaus, The New Grove Wagner (London, 1984)