Opera in the Twilight of Tonality with Gil Harel

Professor Gil Harel returns to talk opera during the modernist movement in the early 20th century. From "contralto" to "countertenor", let's dive in!

The 20th century saw seismic events unfold in the realm of music. The doors to atonality that had been opened by Wagner and Debussy were now wide open, and the "new" music created by figures such as Schoenberg and Stravinsky often left listeners feeling vexed and disenchanted. During this program, Gil Harel will take us into the modernist movement and discuss how a new harmonic language was used to glorious effect in Alban Berg's 1935 opera, Lulu. Though atonal, the expressivity of the opera and the infectiousness of the melodies within can be viscerally felt by listeners of all stripes. Whether you're an opera lover, music aficionado, or cultural historian, you may find yourself falling under the spell of Berg's magical score!

About Gil Harel

Gil Harel (PhD, Brandeis University) is a musicologist and music theorist whose interests include styles ranging from western classical repertoire to jazz and musical theater. Previously, he served on the faculty at CUNY Baruch College (where he was awarded the prestigious "Presidential Excellence Award for Distinguished Teaching").

Currently, he is Professor of Music at Naugatuck Valley Community College, where he has been presented with the AFT "Merit Award for Exemplary Service to the College" for 4 consecutive years. In 2020, he was honored with the coveted Connecticut Board of Regents (BOR) Teaching Award. At NVCC, Dr. Harel conducts the college chorale, a cappella ensemble, teaches music history and theory, and serves as musical director of theater productions.