Blackness in Opera
Will be published approx. on 30. October 2014
Book
Paperback/Softback
304 pages
978-0-252-08043-2 (ISBN)
Description
Blackness in Opera critically examines the intersections of race and music in the multifaceted genre of opera. A diverse cross-section of scholars places well-known operas (Porgy and Bess, Aida, Treemonisha) alongside lesser-known works such as Frederick Delius's Koanga, William Grant Still's Blue Steel, and Clarence Cameron White's Ouanga! to reveal a new historical context for re-imagining race and blackness in opera. The volume brings a wide-ranging, theoretically informed, interdisciplinary approach to questions about how blackness has been represented in these operas, issues surrounding characterization of blacks, interpretation of racialized roles by blacks and whites, controversies over race in the theatre and the use of blackface, and extensions of blackness along the spectrum from grand opera to musical theatre and film. In addition to essays by scholars, the book also features reflections by renowned American tenor George Shirley. Contributors are Naomi AndrE, Melinda Boyd, Gwynne Kuhner Brown, Karen M. Bryan, Melissa J. de Graaf, Christopher R. Gauthier, Jennifer McFarlane-Harris, Gayle Murchison, Guthrie P. Ramsey Jr., Eric Saylor, Sarah Schmalenberger, Ann Sears, George Shirley, and Jonathan O. Wipplinger.
Reviews / Votes
"Fascinating details from behind the scenes are uncovered. . . . . Recommended."--Choice"A treasury of historical information long unrelated or unknown. . . . This is a most valuable addition to anyone's operatic experience."--American Record Guide "An intriguing blend of different methodologies that all coalesce at the examination of how "blackness" is constructed in both canonical and lesser-known operas. This monograph will no doubt be viewed as one of the hallmarks of musicological scholarship in the years to come."--Women & Music
"Absolutely riveting, full of new information and giving much food for thought."--Opera "Blackness in Opera provides an engrossing look into issues that have not been well documented by scholars."--Journal of the Society for American Music "A highly readable collection of interesting essays that come to terms with the deeply problematic treatment of black characters by opera composers and librettists and with the exceptional challenges facing black singers on the operatic stage. The volume will appeal to opera lovers and scholars alike."--Michael V. Pisani, author of Imagining Native America in Music
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Baltimore
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
8 black and white photographs, 17 musical examples, 5 tables, 2 line drawings
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
481 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-252-08043-2 (9780252080432)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Naomi AndrE is an associate professor of women's studies at the University of Michigan. Karen M. Bryan is a professor and chair of the department of music at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Eric Saylor is an associate professor of musicology at Drake University.