In this book, Rebecca Harris-Warrick dismantles the prevailing notion that dance in French Baroque opera was merely decorative, and presents compelling evidence that the divertissement is essential to understanding the work. Evolving practices in music, librettos, choreography and staging are brought to bear on sixty years of operatic history.
Cambridge Studies in OperaSerie
Esta serie explora el multifacético mundo de la ópera y su amplia significación cultural en la sociedad contemporánea. Abarca una diversa gama de metodologías académicas, desde análisis musicológicos de compositores y obras hasta la aplicación de teorías críticas de otras disciplinas humanísticas. Sirve como un foro vital para la investigación actual, ofreciendo perspectivas frescas sobre esta forma de arte en evolución.






Orden recomendado de lectura
Opera in the Age of Rousseau
- 436 páginas
- 16 horas de lectura
Exploring the evolution of opera during the Enlightenment, this account highlights the transformation of the art form from Rameau to Gluck. It delves into the societal impacts and cultural significance of opera, reflecting the philosophical ideas of Rousseau's time. The narrative examines how these composers shaped the operatic landscape, influencing both performance and public perception, while also addressing broader themes of art and society in that era.
Exploring the evolution of opera during the age of Rousseau, this account delves into the works of composers such as Rameau and Gluck. It examines the interplay between theatrical performance and societal influences, highlighting how opera reflected and shaped cultural attitudes of the time. The narrative offers insights into the artistic developments and the changing perceptions of opera within society, making it a comprehensive study of this vibrant period in musical history.
Focusing on the cultural contexts surrounding Puccini's music, this investigation sheds light on the composer's dual role as a symbol of both national pride and modernist innovation in late 19th and early 20th-century Italy. It delves into debates about his identity as a composer and the societal issues his operas engaged with, including gender and class dynamics. By addressing these themes, the study enhances our understanding of opera's evolution and the broader artistic landscape of the era.
Designed as a resource for opera lovers, opera professionals, and music students, this book provides a guide to Saint-Saens's twelve operas and a variety of other stage works for those who are curious to know more. It will enhance listeners' experience of recordings of Saint-Saens, which are enjoying increased popularity as his centenary approaches.
Rounding Wagner's Mountain
- 358 páginas
- 13 horas de lectura
The book delves into how Strauss engaged with Wagner's influence in his stage compositions, analyzing the interplay between their works and the historical backdrop of the time. Through this exploration, it highlights Strauss' unique artistic evolution and the broader implications of his music in relation to Wagner's legacy.
The Puccini Problem
- 336 páginas
- 12 horas de lectura
Exploring the reception and contexts of Puccini's music, this study delves into how his compositions have been perceived over time and the cultural influences surrounding them. It examines the impact of social, historical, and artistic factors on Puccini's work, offering insights into his legacy and the evolution of his musical style. Through critical analysis, the book highlights the significance of his contributions to opera and the ongoing relevance of his music in contemporary discussions.
Richard Strauss' fifteen operas make up the largest German operatic legacy since Wagner's operas of the nineteenth century. In the first book to discuss all of Strauss' operas, Bryan Gilliam explores the composer's response to Wagner in his discussion of Strauss's stage works and their historical contexts.
Dance and Drama in French Baroque Opera
- 506 páginas
- 18 horas de lectura
Focusing on the rich history of French Baroque opera, this book explores the development of music, librettos, choreographed dance, and staging techniques. It delves into how these elements have changed over time, highlighting the innovative practices that defined the genre and its cultural significance. Through detailed analysis, the work reveals the intricate relationship between theatrical performance and musical composition in shaping the Baroque era's operatic landscape.
When Opera Meets Film
- 344 páginas
- 13 horas de lectura
Exploring the interplay between opera and film, this book delves into cinematic traditions from Hollywood, France, and Britain. It examines how these two art forms influence each other, highlighting their shared aesthetics and narrative techniques. Through this analysis, the author reveals the complexities of adaptation and the cultural significance of opera within the film industry, making it a compelling read for enthusiasts of both mediums.
Sentimental Opera
- 297 páginas
- 11 horas de lectura
Castelvecchi presents a critical re-evaluation of the operatic genre system and the cult of sensibility in the age of Mozart.
The Rival Sirens
- 307 páginas
- 11 horas de lectura
This new approach to the operas of Handel examines the vital and intertwined roles of singers, audiences and local cultural context in creating eighteenth- century opera. It emphasises cultural context and aspects of performance, offering a range of interpretative tools not previously exploited in studies of the century's opera before Mozart.
Female Singers on the French Stage, 1830-1848
- 252 páginas
- 9 horas de lectura
Focusing on the profession of singing and operatic culture, this book delves into the representation of female performers in 19th century France. It examines how women navigated the theatrical landscape, highlighting their roles, challenges, and the societal perceptions surrounding them. Through a detailed analysis, the work sheds light on the complexities of female artistry during this vibrant cultural era.
Opera and Drama in Eighteenth-Century London
The King's Theatre, Garrick and the Business of Performance
- 354 páginas
- 13 horas de lectura
Focusing on the vibrant cultural scene of Italian opera in late eighteenth-century London, this book delves into the artistic and social dynamics of the time. It examines how opera influenced and reflected the tastes, politics, and identities of its audiences, showcasing the interplay between music, performance, and society. Through detailed analysis, it highlights the significance of Italian opera in shaping London's cultural landscape during this period.
Verdi, Opera, Women
- 306 páginas
- 11 horas de lectura
Susan Rutherford explores Verdi's operas in the context of women's social, cultural and political history in nineteenth-century Italy.
Boyd-Bennett investigates the relationship of music and politics in the aftermath of war and dictatorship. Bringing locality into the study of twentieth-century music by focussing on the Italian and Venetian contexts, she shows how music culture was deeply imbedded in the most pressing social and cultural concerns of the post-war period.
Focusing on the evolution of opera, this study explores its ability to connect with various audiences throughout history. Through elegant and engaging prose, it reveals the ways in which opera has adapted its messages and themes to resonate with different cultural contexts, showcasing its enduring relevance and appeal.
Focusing on the dynamic relationships between singers, audiences, and the cultural environment, this book explores the essential contributions of each to the development of eighteenth-century opera. It delves into how these elements influenced performance and reception, highlighting the intricate connections that shaped this art form during the period.