THE ITALIAN RENAISSANCE: THE DAWN OF MODERN TIMES
Elizabeth Handley, accredited lecturer, Arts Society, United Kingdom
Monday 26–Tuesday 27 January 11.15 am COURSE FEES R230; Staff and students R115
When, exactly, did the Renaissance begin? Some believe that changes in thinking and artistic styles first appeared at the turn of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, while others date these events a century later. Perhaps there were already ‘Renaissance-like’ manifestations in Europe during the Middle Ages – that thousand-year period of relative ignorance and superstition that followed the fall of the Roman Empire.
Regarded as the beginning of modern times, the Renaissance swept away customs and institutions that had dominated Europe for centuries. The first visible manifestations in the arts can be discerned in Italy, where there was an explosion of creativity by men and women of exceptional genius.
But why did the Renaissance even begin, and why in Italy? Answers to these questions will be explored in these lectures, illustrated with beautiful images and glorious music.
Lecture titles
- The Renaissance: early manifestations
- High and Late Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, the early Baroque
TO BOOK: https://www.webtickets.co.za/performance.aspx?itemid=1575236361
Elizabeth Handley taught practical music, played the harpsichord and flute in various Baroque ensembles, and sang in Richard Cock’s choir. She was a programme compiler and music producer at the SABC, and then assistant to an impresario organising the concert tours of overseas artists throughout Southern Africa. Before relocating to Sweden, she presented pre-concert talks for the JPO. For many years she has been teaching musical history and appreciation to adults, first in SA, and more recently in Stockholm. She currently tutors English in Stockholm, and is the editor of her own online culture-travel magazine: www.joiedevivremagazine.com