
Verdi and the Art of Italian Opera
Conventions and Creativity
Steven Huebner(Author)
University of Rochester Press
Published on 5. December 2023
Book
Hardback
332 pages
978-1-64825-040-8 (ISBN)
Description
A long-needed and up-to-date overview of the syntax and principles that make Verdi's operas so effective and so beloved today.
Verdi's art emerged from a rich array of dramatic and musical practices operative in the Italy of his day. Drawing the reader into his creative world, this study (translated from the French original by the author himself) begins where Verdi began when it came time to set notes to paper: the libretto. Designed for the non-Italophone reader, Steven Huebner's Verdi and the Art of Italian Opera explains key principles of Italian poetry that shaped his music. From there, Huebner outlines the various musical textures available to the composer, including an exploration of the characteristics of recitative and aria. Working outward, subsequent chapters explore the syntax of Verdi's melodic writing and the larger-level forms that he used. A concluding chapter considers ways of conceiving musical unity in his operas.
Verdi's art emerged from a rich array of dramatic and musical practices operative in the Italy of his day. Drawing the reader into his creative world, this study (translated from the French original by the author himself) begins where Verdi began when it came time to set notes to paper: the libretto. Designed for the non-Italophone reader, Steven Huebner's Verdi and the Art of Italian Opera explains key principles of Italian poetry that shaped his music. From there, Huebner outlines the various musical textures available to the composer, including an exploration of the characteristics of recitative and aria. Working outward, subsequent chapters explore the syntax of Verdi's melodic writing and the larger-level forms that he used. A concluding chapter considers ways of conceiving musical unity in his operas.
Reviews / Votes
This book is one of the latest additions to the ongoing series Eastman Studies in Music: excellent monographs written by the world's preeminent musicologists. Huebner has absolute command over the material covered in this book...[and] examines how Verdi very specifically makes use of inherited practices to create his unique art. Generous music examples are provided so the reading experience is self-contained. * MLA NOTES *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Rochester
United States
Publishing group
Boydell & Brewer Ltd
Product notice
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
134 musical exx.
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 157 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
636 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-64825-040-8 (9781648250408)
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
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
12/2023
1st Edition
De Gruyter
€48.99
Available for download
Persons
STEVEN HUEBNER is the James McGill Professor (musicology) at the Schulich School of Music, McGill University, Quebec, Canada. STEVEN HUEBNER is the James McGill Professor (musicology) at the Schulich School of Music, McGill University, Quebec, Canada.
Content
List of Musical Examples
List of Tables
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Versification and Prosody
2. Textures
3. Melody
4. Form
5. By Way of Conclusion: Unity and Analytical Paradigms
Bibliography
Index
List of Tables
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Versification and Prosody
2. Textures
3. Melody
4. Form
5. By Way of Conclusion: Unity and Analytical Paradigms
Bibliography
Index