Women writing opera : creativity and controversy in the age of the French Revolution / Jacqueline Letzter and Robert Adelson.

Author/creator Letzter, Jacqueline
Other author Adelson, Robert, 1967-
Format Book
Publication InfoBerkeley : University of California Press, ©2001.
Descriptionxvii, 341 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm.
Subjects
Opera--France. --18th century.
Women composers--France.
Women librettists--France.

SeriesStudies on the history of society and culture ; 43
Studies on the history of society and culture ; 43. ^A228609
Contents Education -- The politics of opera -- Authority and identity -- The career Manque of Isabelle de Charriere: a case study -- Epilogue: The problem of the exceptional woman -- Appendix: Operas by women composers and librettists, 1670-1820.
Abstract In the age of the French Revolution opera was the locus of cabals, intrigues, and violent journalistic invective; yet, during this period, women composers and librettists gained access to concert halls as never before, their works among those most performed in Paris. This book explains what made this possible. At the same time it demonstrates how the Revolution fostered many dreams and ambitions for women that would be doomed to disappointment in the repressive post-Revolutionary era. The first part of the book concentrates on the women who succeeded in bringing their operas to the stage. The book's second half is a detailed case study of Isabelle de Charriere (1740-1805), a prolific author and composer who witnessed the success of her female colleagues but was unable to gain recognition for herself. In an analytical epilogue, the authors discuss the status of creative women in Revolutionary culture and society.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (pages 239-327) and index.
LCCN 00048891
ISBN0520226534 (cloth : alk. paper)

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Music Stacks ML1727.3.L68 W6 2001 ✔ Available Place Hold