
The Operas of Benjamin Britten
Expression and Evasion
Claire Seymour(Author)
Boydell Press
Published on 17. May 2007
Book
Paperback/Softback
368 pages
978-1-84383-314-7 (ISBN)
Description
This controversial analysis of Britten's operatic works demonstrates how he used music to explore his most private concerns.
Claire Seymour examines ways in which Britten's operas explored and articulated the inherent ambiguity and latent sexuality of music, particularly song, and suggests that they may illustrate his search for a public "voice" which would embody, communicate, and perhaps resolve his private beliefs and anxieties. She demonstrates how the delicate balance between private and public communication, and the tension between art as self-expression and art as moral resolution were key concerns in Britten's music.
Analyses of Britten's operas from Paul Bunyan to Death in Venice, the three Church Parables, and several of the "children's operas" offer evidence that, for Britten, opera was the natural medium through which to explore, express and, paradoxically, repress his private concerns.
Claire Seymour examines ways in which Britten's operas explored and articulated the inherent ambiguity and latent sexuality of music, particularly song, and suggests that they may illustrate his search for a public "voice" which would embody, communicate, and perhaps resolve his private beliefs and anxieties. She demonstrates how the delicate balance between private and public communication, and the tension between art as self-expression and art as moral resolution were key concerns in Britten's music.
Analyses of Britten's operas from Paul Bunyan to Death in Venice, the three Church Parables, and several of the "children's operas" offer evidence that, for Britten, opera was the natural medium through which to explore, express and, paradoxically, repress his private concerns.
Reviews / Votes
A wide variety of ideas within two covers. * GRAMOPHONE * Among the more interesting expositions of Britten as man and composer. Recommended. * CHOICE * Intelligent and informative on a number of levels...[Seymour] does much to clarify the nature and extent, the range and consistency, of Britten's artistic achievement. * BRITISH MUSIC SOCIETY NEWSLETTER * A source of some solid enjoyment. * MUSICAL TIMES *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Woodbridge
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Boydell & Brewer Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
42 line illus.
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
562 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84383-314-7 (9781843833147)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
09/2004
Boydell Press
€94.28
Article exhausted; check different version
Person
Claire Seymour