Minicourses

Bach, Handel, Vivaldi: Masters of the Baroque
Dr. Robert Butts, Conductor, Composer, Educator, and Lecturer
Tuesday afternoons, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
June 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30

Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Antonio Vivaldi – three of the most familiar names in the history of music and three of the most important composers of the Baroque period (1700-1750). Although they were contemporaries, their lives were quite different. Bach never strayed far, working for many years in Leipzig in his job at the Thomaskirche. Vivaldi traveled, but for a long time worked at the Ospedale della pieta in Venice. Handel was one of history’s most cosmopolitan composers, traveling across Europe many times. Bach was most famous for his keyboard and sacred choral music. Handel was most famous for his operas and oratorios. Vivaldi was most famous for his instrumental music. For over 250 years, audiences have been thrilled by the music of all three masters of The Baroque.

Comedy and Drama on Stage
Stacie Lents, Professor of Theater and Communication
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Wednesday afternoons, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
May 27, June 3, 10, 17, and 24

This minicourse will explore theatrical scripts across a variety of periods and genres, with a focus on crafting strong dialogue and character. The course will take participants on a journey through theatrical innovation, interpreting plays from a range of playwrights and time periods. We will have an opportunity to examine playwrights such as Moliere, Shakespeare, Eugene O’Neill, August Wilson, Rebecca Gilman, and Anna Ziegler, among others. We will explore these writers’ unique approaches to character and language as well as their outsized impact on television, film, and culture. Prof. Lents will also discuss her own published and produced work, as well as elements of performance.

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Minicourses at Madison Library is run by the Friends of the Madison Public Library, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. All proceeds support the Madison Public Library.