Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864) was a great musical dramatist in his own right. The fame of his operas rests on his radical treatment of form, his development of scenic complexes and greater plasticity of structure and melody, his dynamic use of the orchestra, and close attention to all aspects of presentation and production, all of which set new standards in Romantic opera and dramaturgy. This book carries forward the process of rediscovery and reassessment of Meyerbeer’s art ”including not just his famous French operas, but also his German and Italian ones”placing them in the context of his entire dramatic oeuvre, including his ballets, oratorios, cantatas and incidental music. From Meyerbeer’s first stage presentation in 1810 to his great posthumous accolade in 1865, some 24 works mark the unfolding of this life lived for dramatic music. The reputation of the famous four grand operas may well live on in the public consciousness, but the other works remain largely unknown. This book provides an approachable introduction to them. The works have been divided into their generic types for quick reference and helpful association, and placed within the context of the composer’s life and artistic development. Each section unfolds a brief history of the work’s origins, an account of the plot, a critical survey of some of its musical characteristics, and a record of its performance history. Robert Letellier examines each work from a dramaturgical view point, including the essential”often challenging”philosophical and historical elements in the scenarios, and how these concepts were translated musically onto the stage. A series of portraits and stage iconography assist in bringing the works to life.

An Introduction to the Dramatic Works of Giacomo Meyerbeer: Operas, Ballets, Cantatas, Plays: Operas, Ballets, Cantatas, Plays

Letellier, Robert Ignatius

Humor & Entertainment

Routledge

Volume 2 covers the 1840s, a period designated as the Prussian Years. From 1846 Meyerbeer's journal becomes a consistent daily record, resulting in one of the most sustained depictions of a contemporary artistic, theatrical, and musical milieu ever kept by a famous composer. Illustrated.

The Diaries of Giacomo Meyerbeer, Volume 2

Biographies & Memoirs

Meyerbeer, Giacomo

Le Tellier, Robert Ignatius

Arts & Literature

Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Pr

Arts & Photography

Music

<p>The integrity of the human being made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26) has been a challenge confronting not just the theologian, but great rulers, politicians, reformers, scientists, poets, artists, composers and novelists over centuries. The Orthodox Tradition might note that our human condition in time and space is shaped and challenged by this journey from likeness to image. Biblically we journey to see the face of God. Less theologically, the human condition is shaped by the tensions and contradictions as we journey to seek 'freedom'. Paradigms of Freedom explores, in the context of the unfolding of modern history, how this challenge has been compounded and enriched by the people and institutions who have sought to find and promote the concept of freedom (and issues of personal liberty) in the face of contrary or oppressive circumstances and systems. Importantly, it will examine the contribution of the artist to various models of freedom, some of which may be identified as vectors of transcendence; when image becomes likeness. The nature of human society, the sense of social harmony and paternalistic control that characterized society for centuries, and especially the emergence of Western culture, began to crumble in the fourteenth century with the cataclysmic onslaught of the Black Death; the challenge to the monolithic power of the Church and the nature of feudalism; the growth of new philosophical and political theories; and overall crumbling of authority. In the fifteenth century new developments like the invention of printing; the standardization of modern languages; and the global expansion of exploration, mercantilism and colonization presented unprecedented horizons of growth and challenges to the place and meaning of humanity in the world. These challenges are embodied in the Renaissance and Reformation, where the very foundations of belief and knowledge were questioned in new processes of discovery in both the world and the cosmos. The nature of freedom to search, to question and to discover new things brought about political and intellectual developments in an ever-expanding series of movements and interrogations. Moved by the annals of the times, individuals have sought to understand and perpetuate the heroic struggles through their own creative power. This in turn can draw us to share in those lost or sorrowful times, and reflect on the sacrifice and vision of those who have been prepared to witness fearlessly to the indomitable spirit of mankind, and his slow but inexorable movement or journey into the light. This exposition will examine various types/paradigms that have proposed and embodied concepts of freedom. These have tried, and often succeeded, in serving as vectors of transcendence, meditating on and mediating human aspiration. Such reflective movements of mind and heart are embodied both contemporaneously and retrospectively in various historical movements, political gestures and artistic creativity that have provoked thoughts on human liberty: political actions, decrees, philosophy, books, pictorial art, novels, poetry, theatre, opera and film. Representatives and examples (in words and imagery) of all these modes are exemplified in the chapters that explore certain iconic movements and personalities in some of the key historical and social events of the past six centuries. The process is of necessity selective. Religious conflict, freedom of thought and denomination, the wars fought over faith and control of the land, the desire for liberty of choice, challenging new discoveries in science and geography, cosmology, colonialism and slavery, Enlightenment, revolution and the search for national identity and independence-these are all areas that have absorbed human thought, knowledge and aspiration, and resulted in inevitable artistic reflection. This is not a history but a consideration of mankind's search to be free, and how this striving is embodied in the poetry of liberation.</p>

Three Paradigms of Romantic Freedom

Politics & Social Sciences

Philosophy

Nova Science Pub Inc

Volume 1 covers the Early Years, Italy, and the Parisian Triumphs (1827-39). A register of names, maps, illustrations, musical examples, and annotations complete the critical apparatus.

The Diaries of Giacomo Meyerbeer: 1791-1839

Reference

Fairleigh Dickinson University Press

Volume 3 covers a time span that preeminently represents the period in the composerOs life known as OThe Years of International FameO (1850-56).

The Diaries of Giacomo Meyerbeer: The Years of Celebrity, 1850-1856

Fairleigh Dickinson

This survey of Meyerbeer's operas provides a fundamental entrée into his operatic creation. Each work is located within the appropriate biographical circumstances of his life, the work of the librettist, and the sources used in shaping the scenario. Each opera is examined from a dramaturgical point of view.

The Operas of Giacomo Meyerbeer

<p>The subject is historical and cultural, and focuses on the unfolding of the big movements and people that have shaped Western History from Roman times to the late 17th century. It would be informative and exploratory in asking questions, and suitable for all students of history and political philosophy at postgraduate level, as well as for a wider readership. The history of Western Europe from the fall of the Roman Empire (478 AD) until the end of the 17th century saw a process of discontinuity, deconstruction and loss turn, through the various reengagements and regroupings of the former barbarian invaders, into increasingly self-defined and viable national groupings. Over the centuries of the Dark Ages and early medieval period, these would consolidate further into ever-more closely defined nation states. The Renaissance, Reformation and Age of Discovery carried the process further and through colonialism and mercantilism saw the restitution of concepts of empire spread globally.</p>

Statehood and Governance in the History of the West 100-1700: From Rome to the Age of Reason

History

Europe

The Growth of the Christian Church: A Search for Faith, Form and Freedom a Reader

Religion & Spirituality

Christian Books & Bibles

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