196 Pages
by
Routledge
196 Pages
by
Routledge
196 Pages
by
Routledge
Also available as eBook on:
Hailed at its premiere at the London Coliseum in 1986 as the most important musical and theatrical event of the decade, The Mask of Orpheus is undoubtedly a key work in Harrison Birtwistle's output. His subsequent stage and concert pieces demand to be evaluated in its light. Increasingly, it is also viewed as a key work in the development of opera since the Second World War, a work that pushed at... Read more
Contents: Introduction; The myth of Orpheus; The Mask of Orpheus: Act I; The Mask of Orpheus: Act II; The Mask of Orpheus: Act III; Interpreting Orpheus; Looking back: interviews with Peter Zinovieff and Harrison Birtwistle; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.
Biography
Jonathan Cross is Professor of Musicology at Christ Church, University of Oxford, UK
'This study offers, for the first time, a fascinating scene-by-scene commentary on Birtwistle's magnum opus. Drawing on revealing insights from the composer's sketches, Jonathan Cross negotiates expertly between details of compositional structure and the work's poetic content. The frequent references to other works make this book a valuable companion for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of Birtwistle's music.' Robert Adlington, University of Nottingham, UK 'With Jonathan Cross, author of numerous important texts on Birtwistle, [The Mask of Orpheus] has found a most persuasive advocate.' Music and Letters
