Vincenzo Bellini: Norma

by David R. B. Kimbell

Overview

Norma is by common consent the finest of the ten operas composed during Vincenzo Bellini's short career. Professor Kimbell provides the biographical and cultural context of the opera, examines its artistic qualities and suggests something of the impression Norma has made on our imaginations and sensibilities in the 165 years since it was first produced in Milan. He considers the great interpretations of the eponymous leading role, while also embracing Bellini's work more generally by presenting some of the critical reactions to his music.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521485142
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/17/1998
Series:	Cambridge Opera Handbooks
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	156
Sales rank:	1,080,042
Product dimensions:	5.35(w) x 8.43(h) x 0.35(d)

Table of Contents

1. The composition of the opera; 2. Medea - Velleda - Norma: Romani's sources; 3. Synopsis and musical frame; 4. Music and poetry; 5. A glimpse of the genesis of the opera; 6. Some variant readings; 7. Contemporary reactions to Norma; 8. Critical fortunes since the unification of Italy; 9. Five prima donnas: contributions to a performance history.

Editorial Reviews

"In this excellent handbook about a key bel canto opera, Kimbell continues with the successful formula for this Cambridge series that stresses the artistic quality of the work, its sources, composition, reception and cultural context...worthwhile...Highly recommended." The Opera Journal

From the Publisher