1st Edition
An Introduction to the Dramatic Works of Giacomo Meyerbeer: Operas, Ballets, Cantatas, Plays
By Robert Ignatius Letellier
Copyright 2008
272 Pages
by
Routledge
272 Pages
by
Routledge
270 Pages
by
Routledge
Also available as eBook on:
Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864) was a great musical dramatist in his own right. The fame of his operas rests on his radical treatment of form, his development of scenic complexes and greater plasticity of structure and melody, his dynamic use of the orchestra, and close attention to all aspects of presentation and production, all of which set new standards in Romantic opera and dramaturgy. This... Read more
Contents: Introduction; Part 1 Ballet and Cantata: Ballet; Cantata (oratorio/dramatic monologue/duodrama). Part 2 Opera: German operas: singspiel; Italian operas: opera seria; French operas: grand opéra; French operas: opéra comique. Part 3 Plays: Plays (masque/incidental music); Conclusion; Appendix: the Meyerbeer librettists; Select bibliography; Index.
Biography
Robert Ignatius Letellier is a member of Trinity College, University of Cambridge, and the Maryvale Institute, Birmingham, UK.
’Every scholarly wish is fulfilled...’ Opera ’...offers excellent, succinct synopses and some useful cross-referencing...offers clear, pertinent musical examples and a wide range of illuminating documents...Recommended.’ Choice ’It is appropriate to salute Robert Letellier's initiative, who, with this first systematic introduction, provides a valuable service to students and the general public.’ Revue de Musicologie ’At last, a survey of Meyerbeer’s operas and other dramatic works in English! For those of us who have been trying to integrate Meyerbeer into our undergraduate courses on French and Italian opera for some time now (with varying degrees of success), this book is a blessing...’ Music and Letters
