The Operas of Benjamin Britten: Expression and Evasion (Aldeburgh Studies in Music) [Hardcover]

Claire Seymour (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 085115865X | ISBN-13: 978-0851158655 | Publication Date: September 15, 2004

The delicate balance between private and public communication, and the tension between art as self-expression and art as moral resolution were key concerns in Britten's music. Seymour examines ways in which Britten's operas explored and articulated the inherent ambiguity and latent sexuality of music, particularly song, and suggests that Britten's operas may illustrate his search for a public 'voice' which would embody, communicate, and perhaps resolve his private beliefs and anxieties. Analyses of Britten's operas from Paul Bunyan to Death in Venice, the three Church Parables, and several of the 'children's operas' offer evidence that, for Britten, opera was the natural medium through which to explore, express and, paradoxically, repress his private concerns.CLAIRE SEYMOUR is an Opera Studies Tutor at Rose Bruford College, Kent.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Intelligent and informative on a number of levels...(Seymour) does much to clarify the nature and extent, the range and consistency, of Britten's artistic achievement. BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY NEWSLETTER (John Talbot)A source of some solid enjoyment. MUSICAL TIMESA wide variety of ideas within two covers. GRAMOPHONE Among the more interesting expositions of Britten as man and composer. Recommended. CHOICE

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Boydell Press (September 15, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 085115865X
• ISBN-13: 978-0851158655
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,864,829 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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