From Idomeneo to Die Zauberflöte : a conductor's commentary on the operas of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart / Myer Fredman ; with a foreword by Sir Charles Mackerras.

Author/creator Fredman, Myer
Format Book
Publication InfoBrighton ; Portland, OR : Sussex Academic Press, 2002.
Descriptionix, 205 pages ; 24 cm
Subjects
Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus, 1756-1791. Operas.
Operas--Analysis, appreciation.

Contents Foreword / Sir Charles Mackerras -- Mozart's evolving craft & style -- Mozart's baroque inheritance -- The baroque conception of tempo -- Time signatures -- The conductor and the continuo -- The baroque orchestra -- The modern orchestra and the baroque style -- Articulation -- Secco recitative -- The appoggiatura -- Dynamics -- Vocal cadenzas and embellishments -- Stage directions -- Choice of keys -- Compositional methods -- The clarinet family -- Mozart's legacy -- Practical suggestions for conductors -- The orchestra's contribution -- Idomeneo, Re di Creta K. 366 (Opera seria in three acts Premiere 1781) -- Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail K. 384 (Comic singspiel in three acts Premiere 1782) -- Der Schauspieldirektor K. 486 (Comedy with music, in one act Premiere 1786) -- Le nozze di Figaro K. 492 (Dramma Giocoso in four acts Premiere 1786) -- Don Giovanni K. 527 (Dramma Giocoso in two acts Premiere 1787) -- Cosi fan tutte K. 588 (Dramma Giocoso in two acts Premiere 1790) -- La clemenza di Tito K. 621 (Opera seria in two acts Premiere 1791) -- Die Zauberflote K. 620 (Opera in two acts Premiere 1791).
Abstract This is the first book by an experienced conductor to explore the orchestra's contribution to Mozart's greatest operatic works: Idomeneo, Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail, Die Schauspieldirektor, Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, Cosi fan tutte, La clemenza di Tito, and Die Zauberflote. It is written for the concert and opera going public who are interested in enlarging their knowledge and appreciation of these masterpieces, but also contains many practical suggestions for aspiring conductors. The text has been inspired by the author's experience of conducting Mozart operas over many years, backed up by considerable research. The book is divided into two parts. Part I covers Mozart's baroque inheritance as exemplified in the operas he composed before Idomeneo; how his style evolved from baroque performing practices; his development of a new instrument, the clarinet; the differences between the modern and the baroque orchestra; Mozart's personal stage directions that are illuminated by his music; his choice of keys to express the drama and individual personalities; his legacy for the 19th century; and practical hints for conductors. Part II works through the orchestral detail in the eight operas with specific reference to Mozart's "musical fingerprints" and contemporary documents.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliographical references (page 189) and index.
LCCN 2002021673
ISBN1903900107 (alk. paper)

Availability

Library Location Call Number Status Item Actions
Music Music Stacks ML410.M9 F78 2002 ✔ Available Place Hold
Music Music Stacks ML410.M9 F78 2002 ✔ Available Place Hold