Opera Studies Guide
A Welcome from the Principal
Welcome to Rose Bruford College and, in particular, to the Opera Studies Programme. I think students will enjoy the stimulating work that is set out for you in what follows. Rose Bruford College, a specialist arts college of Higher Education within the British University Sector, has an unequalled reputation in providing a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in theatre, performance, stagecraft and related arts. Our pioneering Distance Learning courses enable us to offer some of the best examples of our high quality academic study to people wherever they live, either in the UK or internationally. The BA in Opera Studies is unique by being the only taught degree in Opera through distance learning in the world. Graduates receive a BA (Hons) awarded by the University of Manchester. All tutors teaching on the course have an array of experiences and academic credentials in this quite special discipline. Their aim is to stimulate your study and the context in which you study, encouraging, where possible group and face-to-face meetings. The course is intended for anyone interested in opera who wishes to deepen their knowledge about specific works, composers and the whole history of the genre. We look at both classical and contemporary work. The programme offers a range of elective modules to complement core topics. You choose the number of modules you study to fit in with your lifestyle and commitments. We will offer you whatever guidance you require in order to make informed choices that will lead to your degree. I hope that the information in this brochure will help answer some of the questions you may have and encourage you to apply for the Opera Studies course or contact us further and visit our web site www.bruford.ac.uk We are keen that you have all the information you need in order to choose this unique form of study.
We look forward to welcoming you to the programme and hope you decide to study at Rose Bruford.
Michael Earley Principal
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Contents About Rose Bruford College
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Is this course for me?
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Do I need any qualifications to start?
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The Opera Studies Programme
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Awards
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What is Distance Learning?
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What is a Tutor?
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A Summary of the Syllabus
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Your Opera Studies’ Team
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The Opera Studies’ Tutor Team
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What our students say about themselves and us
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How to Enrol
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Summary
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Rose Bruford College Founded in 1950 and now part of the University Sector, Rose Bruford College pioneered the first vocational degree in Acting in 1976. It now offers, to students worldwide, full-time degrees in all aspects of professional theatre, in European and American Theatre Arts and in music and digital technology, as well as a range of distance learning BA and MA programmes in theatre and opera. All degrees are validated by the University of Manchester. The College is one of the largest centres of theatre training and education in the UK. Its Graduate Studies programme includes full-time and distance learning MA degrees. Each year it holds Summer Schools and International Symposia and Conferences in aspects of theatre, opera and performance and operates international partnerships with institutions around the world. In establishing its Distance Learning degrees in 1996 the College broke new ground in the delivery of performance-based programmes to students worldwide. Its BA programmes in theatre and opera are distinctive, innovative and unique. The opera programme successfully launched its online delivery format in 2006 enabling you to access all the materials for your modules online. To see the home page and sample our material please log on to www.bruford.ac.uk
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Is the Course for me? If you are: passionate about opera desirous to learn more about this incredible art form want to be part of a friendly group of like-minded people from around the world have 2 hours a day or 10 hours a week to devote to study
then this course is for you!
Do I need any qualifications before I start? No, you do not need any prior musical knowledge or formal academic training We teach you everything you need to know to progress successfully through the programme The programme is completely open access You are never alone – you have a personal Tutor and the help of the Programme Director
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The Opera Studies Programme The programme aims to give you a thorough knowledge of all aspects of Opera including how an opera house functions, the social context of the art form, the libretto, music, historic styles and various critical approaches. The programme of study is divided into modules, each focusing on a specific topic. Some modules which form the core of the programme are compulsory as they provide the essential framework for your study, while others are elective enabling you to pursue your own individual areas of interest.
The programme is divided into three Levels (each equivalent to one year of a full-time degree) which you can choose to spread over a time span convenient to your own situation and vary it as you progress through the course.
Each module requires you to complete two Assignments which are sent in to be marked by your Tutor. They are returned to you with full written comments on your achievements. Only the marks you attain in Levels 5 and 6 contribute towards your final degree award. In order to progress you have to pass each module undertaken. The two Assignments for 20 credit modules are due on January 1st and May 1st, for half modules (10 credits) there is just one assignment due at the end of the two months’ study.
If you feel you have any previous work or experience which entitles you to Accreditation for Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) this is available on consultation with the Programme Director.
All material is delivered through our online campus.
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Awards There are four awards possible on this programme depending on the number of credits you accumulate:
Completion of Level 1 (120 credits) will qualify you for a HE Certificate in Opera Studies
Completion of Levels 1 and 2 (240 credits) will qualify you for a HE Diploma in Opera Studies
Completion of Levels 1, 2 and 60 credits at Level 3 (300 credits) will qualify you for a BA degree in Opera Studies
Completion of Levels 1, 2 and 120 credits at Level 3 (360 credits) will qualify you for a BA Honours degree in Opera Studies
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What is Distance Learning?
Distance Learning is where you are given all the materials you need to study at home, enabling you to fit your study around your work and family commitments. How you structure your time is left entirely to you, all you are required to do is submit the two Assignments on time (January 1st and May 15st or after each 10 credit module)
You are never alone in your studies as you are assigned a personal Tutor who will contact you and whom you can contact whenever you have queries or need help on a topic. We actively promote interaction between you and your Tutor so you feel supported throughout your time with us.
The Programme Director is also there to assist and welcomes contact with you through her open door policy.
The modules are written in a conversational manner with graduated tasks and exercises (many of which are interactive) each with full written responses and answers so you can see how well you are assimilating the material.
We also offer optional blended learning in the form of Study Days, Conferences and Residentials which are held throughout the year. These provide an excellent opportunity for you to meet fellow students, tutors and professionals from academia, plus artistes from the various opera companies.
As a registered student you will have free access to: Grove online arguably the most comprehensive music dictionary in the world; both the Naxos Music and Video Libraries and all their recordings, films and streamed operas; JSTOR the online academic music journal archive and Opera America and its online learning pages. These are tremendous learning resources and valuable assets to you in your study as they enable you to study anywhere at any time.
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What is a Tutor?
A Tutor is: someone who has a commitment to help you succeed there to help answer your queries and solve any problems you may have with your studies someone who will help guide you in your work an experienced teacher and lecturer a specialist in their field, often the author of the course they tutor easy to contact via email
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A Summary of the Syllabus Level 1 All these modules are compulsory, totalling 120 credits. OS401 Opera at Work – 20 credits This module explains how opera houses function within themselves and their communities. The College arranges Study Days at the regional and London houses so you can get first hand knowledge about how they work. The module also discusses the role of the critic and the whole issue of arts funding. OS402 Mastering the Basics of Music – 20 credits Here we teach you how to read music. You are taken step by step with short examples and exercises so you can monitor your own progress. The aim is to familiarise you with a vocal score so you can follow a musical line. OS403 Mastering the Basics of Analysis Part 1 – 10 credits This module introduces you to the various structural forms found in opera and their function. OS404 Mastering the Basics of Analysis Part 2 – 10 credits This module teaches you the basics of harmonic analysis – so you can understand the structure of arias and relate the music to the text. OS405 Opera in Context – 20 credits With this module you will learn about the social and historical contexts of opera from its inception to the present day. A variety of operas is studied from Monteverdi to contemporary music theatre highlighting the main stages of development of the art form. OS406 Ways of Talking about Opera – 20 credits This module will teach you about the various critical frames used to deconstruct performance and write about opera. You will probably find you already use these techniques but without the technical labels. The module is based on DVD performances. OS507 The Singer – 20 credits There can be no opera without singers, many of whom have influenced the composition as well as the interpretation of works. The phenomenon of the singer is considered from a variety of perspectives within this module.
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Level 5 Those modules worth 10 credits each are shown with an asterisk. OS501 The Baroque Part 1 – 20 credits (compulsory) You will learn about the development of opera from its beginnings through to the eighteenth century in Italy and France. You will study works by a number of composers including Cavalli and Lully. OS502 The Baroque Part 2 – 20 credits (compulsory) This module looks at early opera in England, Gluck’s reforms and the work of Georg Frederick Händel.
OS503 Romanticism and it Sources Part 1 - 20 credits (compulsory) Have you ever wondered what the origins of Romanticism were or what the term really means? This module seeks to answer those questions whilst looking at principle operatic works by Weber, Meyerbeer, Gounod and Berlioz.
OS504 Romanticism and it Sources Part 2 - 20 credits (compulsory) This module takes you to the late nineteenth century looking at the work of Rossini, Donizetti and Massenet.
OS505 Monteverdi and Dramma per Musica In this module you will explore the origins of opera and the works of Monteverdi in depth both musically, socially, politically and artistically. Understanding the prototype enables you to put later developments into perspective. OS506 Verdi – 20 credits This module provides you with the opportunity to examine Verdi’s development through key points in his career, focusing on the more refined and subtle qualities often overlooked in popular assessments.
OS507 Wagner - 20 credits You will be able to study this giant of the operatic genre and his many revolutionary approaches seeing how they shape operatic and theatrical practices today. 10
OS508 Mozart – 20 credits Here you will discover the nature of opera in the Classical period. Mozart is a central figure in the operatic repertory and you will focus on the ways he uses music in a variety of genres. OS509 The Libretto – 20 credits The complete development, style and purpose of the libretto from the seventeenth century to the present day form the focus for this module. You will be able to analyse libretti from Monteverdi, through Donizetti to Debussy and beyond.
OS510 The Development of the Operatic Overture and its relationship to the Symphony – 20 credits This module surveys the various types of overture, their purpose in the theatre and their later development into abstract musical forms such as the symphony and tone poem.
OS511 The Orchestra and the Conductor * - 10 credits You will be taught the skill of score reading and learn about the development of instruments and the orchestra as well as explore the emerging role of the conductor.
OS512 Opera in France *- 10 credits Here you can examine the influence of French literature upon French opera, together with the establishment of a singular French tradition from Rameau to Berlioz.
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Level 6 Those modules worth 10 credits are shown with an asterisk.
OS601 The Birth of the Modern Part 1 – 20 credits (compulsory) This module helps you to understand the musical changes which took place between the end of the nineteenth century post Wagner and the early years of the twentieth. OS602 The Birth of the Modern Part 2 – 20 credits (compulsory) Here we look at serialism and the Second Viennese School and post war opera in general. OS603 Independent Research Project – 40 credits This is only required if you wish to take the Honours degree. We do everything we can to accommodate your choice of topic helping you to focus it into a successful piece of work 13,000 words in length. OS604 Wagner’s Ring: An Introduction* – 10 credits Possibly the most influential work ever written, this work is key to the understanding of Wagner’s development. A thorough investigation of his aesthetic ideas as well as his artistic aims is considered. OS605 Wagner’s Ring: The Operas – 20 credits In this module we investigate the phenomenon that is the tetralogy of operas in the Ring looking at their structure and assessing modern interpretations. OS606 Women in Opera: The Theory* – 10 credits Sociological issues of the gender debate are explored and reasons are suggested as to why women’s works have not become part of the operatic canon. OS607 Women in Opera: The Practice – 20 credits This module seeks to understand the position of women in opera as composers, performers, characters and subject matter with specific examples from the repertoire.
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OS608 Opera Since World War II – 20 credits This module is designed to establish the knowledge and theoretical models necessary to analyse contemporary opera in its historical and social contexts. You will explore how film and television have influenced traditional operatic models. OS609 The Nationalists – 20 credits The Nationalist movement was a powerful force at the end of the nineteenth century in Russia, Czechoslovakia, Poland and England. Trends and influences are studied focusing on such composers as Tchaikovsky, Smetana, Rimsky-Korsakov, Dvorák, Janacek, Bartók, Vaughan Williams and Holst. OS610 Shakespeare in Opera – 20 credits Shakespeare is the most popular single source for opera settings, being adapted in a myriad different ways. You will analyse the transformation process and learn about the tremendous impact his works have had on the operatic art form. OS611 Production, Design and Direction – 20 credits Have you ever wondered what is required to stage an historical opera to make it relevant for today? What decisions directors have to make to keep works alive, yet remain faithful to the composer? This module seeks to answer these questions by examining the work of individuals including Svoboda, Felsenstein, Wieland Wagner, Peter Hall and Peter Sellars. OS612 Wagner’s Heirs – 20 credits Wagner created both friends and enemies and the artistic outcomes of this fact are explored in this module. Some of the works focused on are Elektra, Pélleas et Mélisande, Palestrina, Der Rosenkavalier, Mahogonny and From the House of the Dead. OS613 Lieder – 20 credits This module explores the full history of the Lied as an art form and focuses on the main nineteenth and twentieth century giants in the field, namely Schubert, Schumann, Wolf and Britten. The development of the Lied both in Europe, the UK and America is carefully mapped to give a comprehensive view of this genre.
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OS614 Berg * - 10 credits Here you will be able to explore the Second Viennese School and the musical techniques of that modernist movement focusing on Berg’s two masterpieces Wozzeck and Lulu.
OS615 Britten * - 10 credits This module teaches you how to explore the development of Britten’s musical style as well as his theatrical devices, enabling you to assess his achievements as an opera composer.
OS616 Myth in Opera * - 10 credits Myth is a fundamental constituent of civilisation and its use in the operatic genre reveals a fascinating history through the ages. This module explores the use of myth in opera from Cavalli to Tippett.
OS617 Puccini* - 10 credits This half module explores the common perceptions of Puccini, the verismo tradition, nineteenth-century exoticism and his musico-dramatic techniques focusing on Manon Lescaut, La bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Turandot.
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Your Opera Studies’ Team
Dr F. Jane Schopf (Programme Director Opera Studies) My first degree in music is from Leeds University where I was awarded a scholarship to study conducting under Vernon Handley. After graduating, I won a three year British Council scholarship to study organ and church music in Vienna at the Musik Akademie. Whilst there I undertook viola da gamba and continuo studies at the Konservatorium and later studied serial composition with Josef Matthias Hauer’s foremost pupil Professor Sokolowski. My enduring interest in Indian music was deepened with the study of sitar and tabla under Pundit Harindar Singh. After Vienna I went to America where I pursued a performance career (organ and conducting) before returning to England to complete my Doctorate at Birmingham University, where I was awarded a Bursary, on ‘Musical Gender Constructs in Richard Wagner’. I have taught at Birmingham University, Centre for Lifelong Learning, the Open University Summer Schools and Birkbeck College. I am an external examiner for Trinity Guildhall and am on the editorial board for the journal Studies in Musical Theatre. I joined Rose Bruford College in 2003 and organised the first International Conference there in October 2006 which has now developed into the permanent biannual ‘Music on Stage’ conferences. Opera has been a passion throughout my life and I particularly enjoy the stimulation and challenge of modern productions. I will contact you to discuss your entry to the course and to welcome you to Rose Bruford College. Once you are a student with us you are most welcome to contact me at any time about any academic issues you might encounter in your studies, including any requests for late submission of work, to discuss your modular choices, or just to give me an update on your progress - I shall look forward to hearing from you. You can contact me on +44(0) 208 308 2647 or fiona.schopf@bruford.ac.uk
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Gail Ellis (Administrator Opera Studies, MA and PhD programmes) “I joined Rose Bruford College in 2003 and am responsible for assessment and administration for the Distance Learning BA Opera Studies programme, which includes tracking assignments and marks and co-ordinating and arranging various events for the Opera Studies Students. In addition, I am also Programme Administrator for all the Post-Graduate programmes. Prior to joining the college, I developed my professional experience in the private sector. I am passionate about the theatre and have enjoyed the operas I have seen so far, and of course am a keen supporter of performances here at the College.”
It is vital you keep Gail up to date with your personal details and let her know if you plan to attend any of our events.
You can contact Gail on +44 (0) 208 308 2613 or gail.ellis@bruford.ac.uk
Lisa Knightsbridge (Administrator Opera and Theatre Studies: management of resources and copyright issues) “Over the past twenty-four years I worked for a number of different types of organisations including corporate, charity and higher education. My first introduction to Distance Learning was as a designer of computer-based training for a major UK bank; these courses were delivered via PCs in branches and offices throughout the UK. Just like opera students, I also studied part time for a degree and understand the joy of keeping the mind stimulated and gaining a deeper knowledge about a subject that interests you. I am an amateur genealogist and some of my research has been published in a national genealogical magazine.” Lisa is responsible for formatting and uploading course material, so please contact her if you have any queries. You can contact Lisa on +44 (0) 208 308 2658 or lisa.knightsbridge@bruford.ac.uk
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Tutors
In addition to the full-time staff at the College, the Opera Studies programme benefits from the input of a wide range of specialist external tutors:
Dr. Sinead Dempsey-Garratt Dr. Anne Desler Dr. Michael Downes Dr. George Kennaway Dr. Rachel Milestone Barry Mitchell M.Mus. Dr. Trevor Siemens Kevin Stephens M.A. Prof. Michael Walling
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What our students say about themselves and us “For years I have been an avid and enthusiastic opera lover, and I had thought that I knew a bit about this most satisfying of art forms. How wrong I was! This course not only introduced me to all sorts of aspects of opera which I had never thought about, it also introduced me to a delightful gathering of like minded souls who attend the occasional residential courses. Where else could one listen to producers, performers and those involved in the major companies talking about their work and explaining the hurdles which have to be jumped when putting on an opera? The course requires commitment, but my goodness, it is worth it.” David Hossack "The principal, and very great joy that I have obtained from taking the Opera Studies BA course has been that of getting to know works and indeed whole periods of opera that had previously been unfamiliar to me – in particular the world of baroque opera, the operas of Handel, Rameau, Cavalli and Monteverdi. There have also been great opportunities to indulge existing enthusiasms. The course has been an ideal focus for my retirement, a splendid mix of intellectual challenge and simple, yet deep pleasures. And from my second residential event onwards I discovered I had a whole new circle of friends!" Alan Jackson “My first year of Opera Studies was mentally stimulating, challenging and, above all, exciting. The modules I have studied so far have led me to look at opera in new ways and to explore what was, for me, hitherto uncharted territory. Art, architecture, literature and history are areas one might expect to encounter in the study of opera but I was surprised to discover that maths (never my strong point) gets a look in too; I found myself, in the interests of research, analysing the end of year accounts of an opera company – and actually enjoying it!” Pam Akhurst I joined the Rose Bruford Opera Degree Course after meeting a friend posting his first assignment. My background is that of a serious choral singer and as a young person I took part in, among other things, six or seven Prom Concerts each season. Opera was never a particular interest of mine and I knew very little about it. Professionally, I was a radiographer and later ran a small family business. Neither of these pursuits required one to write an academic essay and I think I always felt that I had missed out. So, thrown in at the deep end, here I am. In a year I have learnt an enormous amount and made many new friends at the Study Days and conferences. I see and listen to things I would never have thought of doing and the experience is very enjoyable.” Anita Gardner
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"As someone who has been passionate about the genre for many years I found that my understanding and appreciation of opera has been profoundly increased as a result of the work I have done on the course. More than that, however, the way the course is structured has opened up a whole new world of art, literature, history and philosophy, which has greatly enriched my life and which will provide me with compelling areas of study long after the opera course has been completed." Terry Smurthwaite "I started the opera course when I felt I had reached a plateau in my life; it gave me a new challenge. Surprisingly perhaps for a distance learning course, it also introduced me to a lot of new people, each with a passion for opera in its many forms. It's a great opportunity to explore new areas of and your own prejudices about opera. How many of us say 'I really hate so and so' without really knowing enough about it. This course encourages you to think bigger – something that can be useful in other aspects of your life too." Maggi Willis “I found out about the BA (Hons) in Opera Studies from a flier in an opera newsletter. My immediate reaction was “Why did I not know about this earlier, when time became available to me – I could have been three more years down the line if I had!” Since starting the course, I have successfully completed two modules and have now embarked on another two. I have attended a Residential course, two weekend courses and several Study Days. All of this has been sufficiently challenging to make it worthwhile, but not so challenging as to make it a burden. I have always loved opera, but my appreciation of this art form has already been hugely stimulated, and my critical faculties have expanded considerably. Looking ahead, I can foresee great difficulty only in selecting the options available in the syllabus – or rather, I will have great difficulty in deciding which ones NOT to do. I cannot recommend this course too strongly.” Ken Millar
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How to Enrol
1. You need to complete the application form included with this brochure and send it to Mary Lynch at mary.lynch@bruford.ac.uk You will need to ensure your application reaches us by the end of September if you wish to start that academic year. You may enrol earlier to secure your place for the following year. (Late applications may be accepted after consultation with Jane Schopf).
2. Jane will contact you for an informal chat about your application and to discuss your choice of modules for your first year of study
3. After your choice of modules has been confirmed, you will receive a formal offer and invoice for the fees based on the number of modules you have chosen. Fees are payable in advance, but can be paid by monthly debit or Standing Order over five months. If you have any queries about methods of payments please contact Jo Parker in the Finance Department +44 (0) 208 308 2654 or joanne.parker@bruford.ac.uk
4. Once we have received your acceptance of our offer and your remittance, you will be registered as a student and Gail will give you your log on details to the online campus.
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Summary The Opera Studies Distance Learning course has been designed to give you maximum flexibility to structure your study around your life commitments so you can deepen your knowledge of this wonderful art form You will be part of a friendly group of like-minded people from around the world who share your passion You will be guided through your studies by a team of highly qualified and experienced Tutors You will be able to succeed in acquiring one of four awards: HE Certificate in Opera Studies, HE Diploma in Opera Studies, BA in Opera Studies or BA Honours in Opera Studies.
We do hope you will come and join us! For further general information please contact: Gail Ellis Administrator for Opera Studies Rose Bruford College Lamorbey Park Burnt Oak Lane Sidcup Kent DA15 9DF +44 (0) 208 308 2613 Gail.ellis@bruford.ac.uk
or for any queries about the content of the course or the nature of the study: Dr F. Jane Schopf Programme Director, Opera Studies Rose Bruford College +44 (0) 208 308 2647 Fiona.schopf@bruford.ac.uk or visit our website www.bruford.ac.uk and follow the link to ‘courses’
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