Reading Opera between the Lines

NOTE EDITORE

A characteristic feature of Wagnerian and post-Wagnerian opera is the tendency to link scenes with numerous and often surprisingly lengthy orchestral interludes, frequently performed with the curtain closed. Often taken for granted or treated as a filler by audiences and critics, these interludes can take on very prominent roles, representing dream sequences, journeys and sexual encounters, and in some cases becoming a highlight of the opera. Christopher Morris investigates the implications of these important but strangely overlooked passages. Combining close readings of individual musical texts with an investigation of the critical discourse surrounding the operas, Morris shows how the interludes shed light not only on the representational and narrative capacities of the orchestra, but also on the supposed 'absolute' realm of instrumental music, a concept to which many critics appealed when they associated the interludes with 'purely musical' and 'symphonic' qualities.

SOMMARIO

Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. A walk on the wild side; 2. What the conductor saw; 3. Lost in the forest; 4. 'Sympathy with death'; 5. 'A torrent of unsettling sounds'; 6. Wagner and 'invisible theatre'; Conclusion: 'innocence among opposites'; Bibliography; Index.

PREFAZIONE

A characteristic feature of Wagnerian and post-Wagnerian opera is the use of substantial orchestral links between scenes and before a closed curtain. These interludes often take on very prominent roles, representing dream sequences, journeys and sexual encounters. Christopher Morris investigates the implications of these important but strangely overlooked passages.

AUTORE

Christopher Morris is Lecturer in Music at University College Cork. His articles have appeared in the Journal of Musicological Research, Musical Quarterly and the Journal of the Royal Musical Society.

ALTRE INFORMAZIONI

• Condizione: Nuovo
• ISBN: 9780521807388
• Collana: New Perspectives in Music History and Criticism
• Dimensioni: 229 x 17 x 152 mm Ø 510 gr
• Formato: Copertina rigida
• Illustration Notes: 43 music examples
• Pagine Arabe: 232