The Arts Past and Present: Diva - for iPad/Mac/PC: Recent Episodes

The Open University

How do you get to be one of the great operatic divas? Catherine Rogers might just have what it takes to be a famous opera singer, but she still has lots of work to do. This album gives us an insight into the immense effort it requires to become a musical performer. As well as singing, acting, language, and stage skills all need to be honed. Catherine tackles the tragic aria of the Countess in Mozart's Marriage of Figaro and is praised by her tutors. In the audio track Elaine Moohan from the Music Department at The Open University unpicks some of the issues emerging from Catherine's story, and suggests that it's not good for one's reputation to develop a diva-like personality! This material forms part of The Open University course, A100 The arts past and present.

A short introduction to this album

Transcript -- A short introduction to this album

Introducing Catherine Rogers, aspiring operatic diva

Transcript -- Introducing Catherine Rogers, aspiring operatic diva

Catherine works with her tutor on an aria from The Marriage of Figaro

Transcript -- Catherine works with her tutor on an aria from The Marriage of Figaro

Working with a director to develop stagecraft and performance skills

Transcript -- Working with a director to develop stagecraft and performance skills

Catherine’s first performance as The Countess

Transcript -- Catherine’s first performance as The Countess

Catherine’s reactions to video of her performance

Transcript -- Catherine’s reactions to video of her performance

What Catherine’s tutors thought of her performance

Transcript -- What Catherine’s tutors thought of her performance

Open University academic Elaine Moohan draws parallels between studying opera and studying any subject, and explains why feedback is constructive.

Transcript -- Open University academic Elaine Moohan draws parallels between studying opera and studying any subject, and explains why feedback is constructive.