Editorial

Participants' comments about James' courses

Introduction to Italian and German Opera

'Very useful to have a tutor with 'hands on' experience of opera.material put over in interesting and cheerful manner. I would certainly welcome a follow up course.'

'I found that the many new perspectives - especially the roles of publishers, censors and impresarios in the operas we have studied- was an interesting angle to take. The interesting 'titbits' from James' personal experience, stories from productions he has been involved in were particularly insightful.'

'James' extensive, in-depth knowledge was enthusiastically conveyed with little reference to notes. Examples from your personal experience enlivened the talks further and aided recollection of a particular topic.'

'Well chosen audio and video extracts and excellent handouts. Well prepared with lots of anecdotes backed by solid facts plus a willingness to adjust course to class desires.'

'I was highly impressed with the tutor's contribution. He was very well informed and knowledgeable and presented excellent background material. In each session of one and a half hours much ground was covered. I hope there is a sequel to this course.'

'The tutor's knowledge and obvious enthusiasm for the subject is most helpful. It enables me to keep my attention because it is always interesting, even at the end of a long day!! I have recommended this course to friends from all over Leicestershire.'

'James' friendly and knowledgeable manner sets precisely the right tone for a course of this type.'

'I found the copious handouts most helpful. I decided to look further into many of the operas, only to find that James has told me all I needed to know!'

Gilbert & Sullivan

'Our tutor did an excellent job'

'It has been a pleasure to listen to James' talks which have been so well-prepared, clear and opened my eyes to listen to familiar pieces with a new approach.

The tutor was very good and handled the material very well. I look forward to the Gershwin course as there will be many new facets to enjoy.'

'James has an incredible depth of knowledge which has given us a deeper insight into G & S. This was a thoroughly enjoyable course. May we have more?'

'This course has given me a much greater insight into G & S. As a result I enjoyed the film Topsy-Turvy all the more because of the background information you gave us. Because of your teaching I intend to increase my CD and video collection because of your learned discernment.'

'This most helpful course placed G & S into the context of their time and explained the debt owed by subsequent composers of light opera.'

'This course has given me a deeper knowledge of the history of the G & S partnership and its achievements set in the social milieu of later Victorian England. I look forward to more courses tracing the links between music-hall, G & S and Edwardian musical comedy.'

Gershwin - Fascinatin' rhythms (Penzance)

'A useful follow-on from G & S, widening the whole field in England, Europe and America, aided by your knowledge and enthusiasm and the wealth of examples you are able to present. Enthusiasm already generated for your next course on later musicals and their composers.my feet are tapping!.excellent handouts and bibliography.'

'It was a pleasure to hear about this time of the early musicals from a man who obviously enjoys his subject.'

'I have gained an insight into the cultural and historical factors that developed into the musical in the 20s, 30s and 40s as well as some knowledge of the musical instrumentation.'