The Romantic World of Puccini: A New Critical Appraisal of the Operas

by Iris J. Arnesen

Overview

Giacomo Puccini, composer of some of the world's most popular operas, including La Boheme, Tosca, and Madama Butterfly, was also a highly literary person who based his librettos on existing works of literature. This work explores that literary inheritance in an effort to enhance the listener's appreciation of the operatic experience. The author argues that the majority of Puccini's operas compose a grand cycle that finds its roots in the romance genre of 12th century France, serving to celebrate the strong, independent heroine. Via a close examination of the source works, the librettos, and the scores, this book offers fresh perspective on Puccini's legacy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786444823
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication date:	07/31/2009
Pages:	308
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.90(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Iris J. Arnesen is a lecturer on opera and editor of The Opera Glass, a performing arts periodical that covers opera, theatre, dance, and concert music. She lives in Tucson, Arizona.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface     

PART
1. Genre     
2. The World of the Rose Cycle     
3. The Dramatic Influences of Wagner and the Conclusion of the Rose Cycle     

PART
4. Le Villi     
5. Manon Lescaut     
6. La Bohème     
7. Tosca     
8. Madama Butterfly     
9. La Fanciulla del West     
10. La Rondine           
11. Il Tabarro     
12. Suor Angelica     
13. Turandot     
14. The Trouble with Turandot, and How to Fix It     
15. Conclusion     

Appendix: The Operas of Giacomo Puccini     
Chapter Notes     
Bibliography     
Index