This book approaches opera fantasias - instrumental works that use themes from a single opera as the body of their virtuosic and flamboyant material - both historically and theoretically, concentrating on compositions for and by woodwind-instrument performers in Italy in the nineteenth century.
Important overlapping strands include the concept of virtuosity and its gradual demonization, the strong gendered overtones of individual woodwind instruments and of virtuosity, the distinct Italian context of these fantasias, the presentation and alteration of opera narratives in opera fantasias, and the technical and social development of woodwind instruments. Like opera itself, the opera fantasia is a popular art form, stylistically predictable yet formally flexible, based heavily on past operatic tradition and prefabricated materials. Through archival research in Italy, theoretical analysis, and exploration of European cultural contexts, this book clarifies a genre that has been consciously stifled and societal resonances that still impact music reception and performance today.
| ISBN: | 9781032491820 |
| Publication date: | 29th September 2025 |
| Author: | Rachel N Becker |
| Publisher: | Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 236 pages |
| Series: | Routledge Research in Music |
| Genres: |
Opera Art music, orchestral and formal music |
This book approaches opera fantasias - instrumental works that use themes from a single opera as the body of their virtuosic and flamboyant material - both historically and theoretically, concentrating on compositions for and by woodwind-instrument performers in Italy in the nineteenth century.Important overlapping strands include the concept of virtuosity and its gradual demonization, the strong gendered overtones of individual woodwind instruments and of virtuosity, the distinct Italian context of these fantasias, the presentation and alteration of opera narratives in opera fantasias, and the technical and social development of woodwind instruments. Like opera itself, the opera fantasia is a popular art form, stylistically predictable yet formally flexible, based heavily on past operatic tradition and prefabricated materials.
Valuing Nineteenth-Century Italian Opera Fantasias for Woodwind Instruments features in the following genres: Opera, Art music, orchestral and formal music
Paperback, Hardback. £43.19, down from the £47.99 cover price. Not Available.
Valuing Nineteenth-Century Italian Opera Fantasias for Woodwind Instruments was written by Rachel N Becker and published by Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis
Valuing Nineteenth-Century Italian Opera Fantasias for Woodwind Instruments has 236 pages
Yes it is part of Routledge Research in Music series
£43.19, reduced from £47.99. Not Available.