Opera and its Symbols: The Unity of Words, Music and Staging - Softcover

Donington, Robert

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9780300056617: Opera and its Symbols: The Unity of Words, Music and Staging

Synopsis

Robert Donington, the noted musicologist, performer, and writer, is famous for his influential and provocative book Wagner’s “Ring” and Its Symbols, and for his indispensable reference work The Interpretation of Early Music. In this book he discusses the workings of symbolism in opera and the importance of staging opera in keeping with the composer’s intentions. Only in this way, says Donington, can we be faithful to the conscious or unconscious symbolism invested in the work by the composer and librettist.

 

Starting form Carlyle's premise that "it is through symbols that man, consciously or  unconsciously, lives, works and has his being," Donington interprets scenes and characters from operas by Monteverdi, Mozart, Verdi, Wagner, Bizet, Puccini, Debussy, Strauss, Stravinsky, Berg, Britten, Tippett, and other composers. Time and again Donington sheds new light on operatic situations that are problematic or have become over-familiar. His lively and wide-ranging work reveals a deep knowledge and love of opera, combined with a rare insight into hidden meanings to be found in music, words, and action.

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Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9780300047134: Opera and its Symbols: The Unity of Words, Music and Staging

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  0300047134 ISBN 13:  9780300047134
Publisher: Yale University Press, 1990
Hardcover