The Operas of Benjamin Britten: Expression and Evasion - Hardcover

Seymour, Claire

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 085115865X ISBN 13: 9780851158655

Publisher: Boydell Press, 2004

Synopsis

The delicate balance between private and public communication, and the tension between art as self-expression and art as moral resolution were key concerns in Britten's music. Seymour examines ways in which Britten's operas explored and articulated the inherent ambiguity and latent sexuality of music, particularly song, and suggests that Britten's operas may illustrate his search for a public 'voice' which would embody, communicate, and perhaps resolve his private beliefs and anxieties. Analyses of Britten's operas from Paul Bunyan to Death in Venice, the three Church Parables, and several of the 'children's operas' offer evidence that, for Britten, opera was the natural medium through which to explore, express and, paradoxically, repress his private concerns.CLAIRE SEYMOUR is an Opera Studies Tutor at Rose Bruford College, Kent.

About this title

About the Author

Claire Seymour is Opera Studies Tutor at Rose Bruford College, Kent.

Review

Intelligent and informative on a number of levels...(Seymour) does much to clarify the nature and extent, the range and consistency, of Britten's artistic achievement. BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY NEWSLETTER (John Talbot)A source of some solid enjoyment. MUSICAL TIMESA wide variety of ideas within two covers. GRAMOPHONE Among the more interesting expositions of Britten as man and composer. Recommended. CHOICE

Edition details

• Publisher: Boydell Press
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 085115865X
• ISBN 13: 9780851158655
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 368