Music Zoom: Italian Classical Music

Bella Italia: Vivaldi and So Much More
Three Zoom Sessions
Thur., May 1, 8, 15, 2025, 6:30-8:30 pm MT

Classical music of Italy: If you’ve stopped to read this paragraph, you likely already know of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. It is, after all, some of the most famous classical music ever composed, and 2025 happens to be the 300th anniversary of its publication. However, there’s so much more to Italian fine music than just Vivaldi’s bird songs and thunderstorms! In this 3-evening online course, frequent DU Enrichment Program instructor Betsy Schwarm serves up a much broader view: from the Renaissance all the way to the present day. Who were the most notable names? What led them to write their music as they did? How did they reflect the times and places in which they lived? How did Italian become the de facto official language of fine music: “allegro,” rather than “quick?” In what ways did Italy’s 19th century drive for independence and unification find musical expression? The names you likely expect are here: Palestrina, Vivaldi, Rossini, Paganini, Verdi and Puccini, plus others along the way, including those great men of film: Rota and Morricone. At no additional cost, the course includes an optional online concert opportunity outside of class time. Students are encouraged to share impressions during virtual intermission. The classical sounds of Bella Italia await you with Betsy Schwarm!

Classical radio host, music professor, pre-performance speaker and author of 10 books, Betsy Schwarm takes a user-friendly approach to her classes. No music reading required, just an active interest in how listeners can get the most from listening opportunities.