Drama of Opera: Exotic and Irrational Entertainment - Hardcover

Fredman, Myer

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1903900492 ISBN 13: 9781903900499

Publisher: Liverpool University Press, 2003

Synopsis

This book is about the drama that takes place within the world of opera and provides an insight into how opera has evolved and its functions. The Creators describes some of the ways that composers use the language of music, and liaise with their librettists. The Re-Creators explains the functions of conductors, producers, designers, repetiteurs, the chorus and orchestra, singers, the Fach system (by which voice types are categorized), understudies, and the prompter. Information is provided on training, the audition process, competitions, the rehearsal schedule, opera administration and the audience (including its effect on the performers), as well as on the claque system, types of applause, and music critics (and their effect on the artist). Opera companies (festival, seasonal and touring), television opera and video performances are all fully explored. A final overview explains how opera has adapted to changing social conditions from Monteverdi to the present day, and points to what the future might hold. An interlude includes a number of humorous incidents and cautionary tales, and a comprehensive glossary unravels the jargon of the most frequently used operatic terms. The book includes a 12-page color plate section.

About this title

About the Author:

Myer Fredman is an adjunct professor at the University of Tasmania's Conservatorium of Music. He was an acclaimed symphonic and operatic conductor for more than 50 years who was awarded a Maestro Fredman a medal by the Italian government.

Review:

“Fredman’s book has an almost encyclopedic arrangement. . . . The book includes an extensive glossary of terms and 12 pages of plates of performances by the Glyndebourne Touring Opera Company. An entertaining read.”  —Choice

“Fredman brings 40-plus years of experience as an international conductor to this text. Rather than focusing on individual operatic plots, Fredman describes the drama that has taken place in the world of opera itself over the past 400 years. His insights into the backstage, preparation, sets, costumes, producers, conductors, singers—and their foibles—are intended to give members of the opera-going public—from the novice to the seasoned aficionado—a greater sense of the complexity of staging an opera, and an enhanced appreciation of the art form.”  —Book News

About this edition

• Publisher: Liverpool University Press
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1903900492
• ISBN 13: 9781903900499
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 146