ABSTRACT
This lesson explores a Mozart aria typically studied by undergraduate mezzo-sopranos, “Voi, che sapete,” (from the Marriage of Figaro), and provides an opportunity for in-class performance and coaching informed by analysis. Students will learn how principles of form and chromatic harmony (mixture, chromatic sequence, augmented sixths, and modulation) work together to create a dramatic aria in ternary form. Active-learning strategies will keep students engaged through small-group activities (think-pair-share), discussion of text-music relations, consideration of alternative performance interpretations, and hearing a complete performance by two of their peers.
