Great opera composers have one thing in common – they combine musical genius with a strong dramatic gift. In this illustrated talk Jonathan Darnborough explores the techniques, common to composers of all eras, by which they mould their musical ideas to reflect and intensify the emotions of their characters.

Jonathan Darnborough is Director of Studies in Music at Oxford University Department for Continuing Education. As composer and pianist, he has performed throughout Britain as well as in the USA, France, Italy and Indonesia. He is the author of Oxford University’s first two online music courses, one on The Marriage of Figaro and an introduction to Musical Analysis. He is currently working on an opera based on Euripides’ Hecuba.