Skip to main contentSkip to Xpert Chatbot

HarvardX: First Nights - Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo and the Birth of Opera

5.0 stars
9 ratings

Learn about Claudio Monteverdi's L'Orfeo , one of the first operas ever written.

3 weeks
3–5 hours per week
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
Free
Optional upgrade available

Choose your session:

19,178 already enrolled! After a course session ends, it will be archivedOpens in a new tab.
Starts Nov 18
Ends Dec 4
Starts Dec 4

About this course

Skip About this course

Claudio Monteverdi's L'Orfeo premiered in Mantua in 1607, and continues to be regarded as one of the most important examples of early opera. With L 'Orfeo , Monteverdi helped to establish the techniques and traditions that continue to inform the genre of opera to this day.

Harvard's Thomas Forrest Kelly (Morton B. Knafel Professor of Music) guides learners through the first half of L'Orfeo , highlighting aspects of operatic form and dramatic technique, the rehearsals and cultural context for the premiere performance, and the work's continued relevance today. There will also be a focus on Monteverdi's life and work as a Renaissance court musician.

In this music course, you will learn the basics of operatic form and analysis, the genres and styles used, and the circumstances of this opera's first performance and subsequent history. Learners in this course need not have any prior musical experience.

At a glance

  • Language: English
  • Video Transcript: English
  • Associated programs:

What you'll learn

Skip What you'll learn
  • Identify and describe the technical and formal aspects of 17th century opera
  • Understand the instruments of Monteverdi's orchestra, as well as the voice types of the singers
  • Appreciate cultural context and performance circumstances of Monteverdi's L'Orfeo

More about this course

Skip More about this course

HarvardX Honor Code
HarvardX requires individuals who enroll in its courses on edX to abide by the terms of the edX honor code. HarvardX will take appropriate corrective action in response to violations of the edX honor code, which may include dismissal from the HarvardX course; revocation of any certificates received for the HarvardX course; or other remedies as circumstances warrant. No refunds will be issued in the case of corrective action for such violations. Enrollees who are taking HarvardX courses as part of another program will also be governed by the academic policies of those programs.

HarvardX Nondiscrimination/Anti-Harassment Statement
Harvard University and HarvardX are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy educational and work environment in which no member of the community is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination or harassment in our program. All members of the HarvardX community are expected to abide by Harvard policies on nondiscrimination, including sexual harassment, and the edX Terms of Service. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact harvardx@harvard.edu and/or report your experience through the edX contact form.

HarvardX Research Statement
HarvardX pursues the science of learning. By registering as an online learner in an HX course, you will also participate in research about learning. Read our research statement to learn more.

This course is part of Classical Works XSeries Program

Learn more 
Expert instruction
5 high-quality courses
Self-paced
Progress at your own speed
4 months
3 - 5 hours per week

Interested in this course for your business or team?

Train your employees in the most in-demand topics, with edX For Business.