French Opera: A Short History

Description

French opera is second only to Italian opera in the length, breadth, and diversity of its history. Yet most people, if asked to come up with titles, could mention only a handful of titles—Carmen, Faust, Pelleas et Melisande, Samson et Dalila—a small list for an operatic tradition that began in the seventeenth century and is still very much alive. This book provides a full, single-volume account of opera in France from its origins to the present day. Vincent Giroud looks at the leading composers, from Lully to Messiaen and beyond; at the development of French operatic form and style; at performance, performers, and audience; and at the impact of French opera beyond France’s borders. Lovers of opera will find this an ideal companion to their appreciation of the form. CONTENTS ILLUSTRATIONS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1: FROM THE ORIGINS TO LULLY CHAPTER 2: FROM LULLY TO RAMEAU CHAPTER 3: THE AGE OF RAMEAU CHAPTER 4: GLUCK TO REVOLUTION CHAPTER 5: REVOLUTION TO ROMANTICISM CHAPTER 6: THE AGE OF GRAND OPÉRA CHAPTER 7: FRENCH OPERA UNDER THE SECOND EMPIRE CHAPTER 8: FROM CARMEN TO PELLÉAS CHAPTER 9: FROM THE BELLE ÉPOQUE TO THE ANNÉES FOLLES CHAPTER 10: CRISIS AND RENEWAL NOTES BIBLIOGRAPHY INDEX