Ancient Rome in early opera
By: Robert C. Ketterer.
Publisher: University of Illinois Press
Published: 2008
Place of publication: Urbana
Language: eng
Number of pages: 253
ISBN-13: 9780252033780
Subjects: Opera -- 17th century; Opera -- 18th century; Opera -- Roman influences; Operas -- Literary themes, motives; Rome -- History
Description: "In this volume, Robert C. Ketterer tracks the changes as operas' Roman subjects crossed generations and national boundaries. He also pays close attention to the composers' individual approaches to developing their librettos. Following opera from its origins in seventeenth-century Venice to Napoleon's invasion of Italy, Ketterer shows how opera was preoccupied with Roman historical figures as heroes, lovers, and fools. Monteverdi, Handel, Mozart, and Cimarosa were only the most renowned of the many composers drawn to Roman subjects. Handel in particular is a unifying figure in this history: he began his career in Germany, refined his craft in Italy, and rose to heights of renown in England, composing for aristocracy and royalty alike. Roman history provided these composers with all the necessary courage and intrigue, love and honor, and triumph and defeat so vital for the stirring music that makes great opera."--BOOK JACKET.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Ancient Rome in early opera; title: The coronation of Poppea; title: Scipio in Africa; title: Otho in Arcadia; title: Scipio in Spain; title: The problem of Caesar; title: Arminius and the problem of Rome; title: Clemencies of Titus; title: The revolution and the end of a myth.