Metaphysical Song

Exploring the intersection of opera and philosophy, the book examines how the operatic voice reveals invisible realms and reflects evolving concepts of selfhood and metaphysics over four centuries. Gary Tomlinson analyzes the ideas of influential philosophers such as Ficino, Descartes, Kant, and Nietzsche, highlighting their contributions to understanding the subject's role in material and metaphysical contexts. He illustrates how opera has uniquely represented these shifting relationships on stage, offering a cultural perspective distinct from philosophical discourse.