The Urbanization of Opera
Music Theater in Paris in the Nineteenth Century
9780226288581
9780226288574
The Urbanization of Opera
Music Theater in Paris in the Nineteenth Century
Anselm Gerhard explores the origins of grand opéra, arguing that its aesthetic innovations (both musical and theatrical) reflected not bourgeois tastes, but changes in daily life and psychological outlook produced by the rapid urbanization of Paris. These larger urban and social concerns—crucial to our understanding of nineteenth-century opera—are brought to bear in fascinating discussions of eight operas composed by Rossini, Auber, Meyerbeer, Verdi, and Louise Bertin.
"An invaluable look at this fascinating genre."—George W. Loomis, Opera News
"An invaluable look at this fascinating genre."—George W. Loomis, Opera News
Table of Contents
Preface to the English-Language Edition
Acknowledgments
Chronology
Introduction
Ch. 1: Realities of a Metropolis
Ch. 2: Victor-Joseph Etienne de Jouy, a Hermit in the City
Ch. 3: Rossini and the Revolution
Ch. 4: Eugene Scribe, an Apolitical Man of Letters
Ch. 5: Meyerbeer and the Happy Medium
Ch. 6: Victor Hugo, the Illustrious Poet as Librettist
Ch. 7: Meyerbeer and Reaction
Ch. 8: The Composer as Librettist
Ch. 9: Verdi and an Institutional Crisis
Ch. 10: The International View
Ch. 11: Verdi and Interior Space
Bibliography
Index of Titles of Operas and Plays
Index of Names
Acknowledgments
Chronology
Introduction
Ch. 1: Realities of a Metropolis
Ch. 2: Victor-Joseph Etienne de Jouy, a Hermit in the City
Ch. 3: Rossini and the Revolution
Ch. 4: Eugene Scribe, an Apolitical Man of Letters
Ch. 5: Meyerbeer and the Happy Medium
Ch. 6: Victor Hugo, the Illustrious Poet as Librettist
Ch. 7: Meyerbeer and Reaction
Ch. 8: The Composer as Librettist
Ch. 9: Verdi and an Institutional Crisis
Ch. 10: The International View
Ch. 11: Verdi and Interior Space
Bibliography
Index of Titles of Operas and Plays
Index of Names