Opera As Art
Philosophical Sketches
Abstract
In Opera as Art: Philosophical Sketches, Paul Thom argues for opera as an art, standing alongside other artforms that employ visual and sonic media to embody the great themes of human life. Thom contends that in great operatic art, the narrative and expressive content collaborate with the work's aesthetic qualities towards achieving this aim. This argument can be extended to modern operatic productions. At their best, these stagings are works of art in themselves, whether they give faithful renditions of the operas they stage and whether their aims go beyond interpretation to commentary and critique. This book is a philosophical introduction to the key practices that comprise the world of opera: the making of the work; its interpretation by directors, critics, and spectators; and the making of an operatic production. Opera has always existed in a context of philosophical ideas, and this book is written for opera-lovers who would like to learn something about that philosophical context.
Schlagworte
performing arts philosophy of opera interpretation of works modern opera stagings history of opera- i–x Preface i–x
- 1–6 Introduction 1–6
- 91–104 Sublime Diversions 91–104
- 105–120 A Grand Comic Opera 105–120
- 121–134 Shock and Sentiment 121–134
- 149–160 The Limits of Tonality 149–160
- 161–172 The Uncanny 161–172
- 173–182 Conclusion 173–182
- 183–200 Bibliography 183–200
- 201–206 Index 201–206
- 207–208 About the Author 207–208