English Opera from 1834 to 1864 with Particular Reference to the Works of Michael Balfe

by George Biddlecombe

Overview

First published in 1994. This study sets out to investigate English opera from 1834 to 1864. The author attempts to understand the circumstances influencing the development of English nineteenth-century opera, its characteristic features, and the reasons why these traits held sway. This title will be of great interest to students of art and cultural history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138364943
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	11/28/2018
Series:	Routledge Library Editions: Art and Culture in the Nineteenth Century , #2
Pages:	368
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Preface to the Garland Edition; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. The Theatrical and Literary Background 2. The Conventions of the English Opera Libretto: Plot and Character 3. The Librettists’ Craft 4. The Operatic Background 5. Barnett 6. Loder 7. Balfe 8. Wallace 9. Benedict 10. Macfarren; Conclusion; Examples; List of English Operas first performed between 1834 and 1864; Bibliography; Index

Editorial Reviews

A revised version of the author's Ph.D. dissertation (U. of London, 1991), Biddlecombe first addresses broad cultural issues, and then analyzes the main composers of the period , primarily in terms of the musical styles they espoused. While once enjoying great popularity (Balfe, the most prolific of the group, acquired considerable international fame), the esteem in which these composers were held began to decline by the turn of the century, a development that Biddlecombe relates to the growing enthusiasm for German music, especially Wagnerism. Includes many musical examples. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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