Aesthetics of Opera in the Ancien Régime, 1647-1785 (Cambridge Studies in Opera) [Hardcover]

Downing A. Thomas (Author)

Book Description

Series: Cambridge Studies in Opera | Publication Date: March 24, 2003

This is the first study to recognize the wider picture of opera within early-modern French culture. Downing Thomas considers the place of music within a cultural environment--the employment of music by Louis XIV as a symbol of absolutism; the use of music as a statement against the monarchy; and the long-term development of opera as a reflection of humanism. Thomas examines key works by Lully, Rameau, and Charpentier, among others, and extends his reach from the late seventeenth century to the end of the eighteenth.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"It goes beyond strict musical analysis and examines these oeuvres and their contexts from a broad cultural perspective, drawing on the writings of contemporary philosophers and commentators." Opera Quarterly

"This book is not an easy read, but any time spent between its covers will be amply rewarded.... a fluently written study that moves smoothly across the decades to become a cultural history of French opera from its origins to the Revolution.... Highly recommended." Choice

"Like a handy toolbox for singers and teachers, Miller's book provides detailed, well-rounded discussions of vocal technique, pedagogical issues, and performance concerns in one place, a rare scenario. As wel, the appendices are excellent for quick reference about vocal repertoire and IPA symbols. A must-have for anyone involved in the vocal field." -- Opera Journal

"Thomas provides an excellent distillation of the conflict between seventeenth-century writers who championed staged tragedy and those who welcomed and defended tragédie en musique. Downing Thomas' book is an important addition to the study of the development of French opera, particularly for its blend of historical, philosophical, cultural, and critical studies." Opera Today, Deborah Kauffman, University of Northern Colorado

"Rather than answering all the questions raised closing off all possibilities, Thomas opens up new insights, draws together interesting primary sources, and engages in dialog with secondary literature from several disciplines." Notes

Book Description

This is the first study to recognize the broad impact of opera in early-modern French culture. Downing A. Thomas considers the use of operatic spectacle and music by Louis XIV as a vehicle for absolutism; the resistance of music to aesthetic and political agendas of the time; and the long-term development of opera in the eighteenth-century humanist culture. He argues that French opera moved away from the politics of the absolute monarchy in which it originated to address Englightenment concerns with sensibility and feeling. The book combines close readings of significant seventeenth-century and eighteenth-century operatic works, circumstantial writings and theoretical works on theater and opera, together with a measure of reception history. Thomas examines key works by Lully, Rameau, and Charpentier, among others, and extends his reach from the late seventeenth century to the end of the eighteenth.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 420 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (March 24, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521801885
• ISBN-13: 978-0521801881
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,072,831 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.