The Mozart-Da Ponte Operas: The Cultural and Musical Background to Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, and Cosi'A fan tutte / Edition 1

by Andrew Steptoe, Steptoe

Overview

Mozart's collaborations with the librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte led to the composition of three of the great masterpieces of opera. This book, designed to guide the reader to a deeper understanding and appreciation of these enigmatic works, charts the musical, cultural, and social context in which they were written—the tastes and expectations of the contemporary opera audience, Mozart's intentions and aspirations in a period of rapid intellectual and political change, Da Ponte's views of opera, and the practical logistics of opera production at the time. Together, these strands provide illuminating insights into Mozart's creative process and the functions of eighteenth-century opera.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198162216
Publisher:	Oxford University Press, USA
Publication date:	01/28/1990
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	9.25(w) x 6.25(h) x 0.66(d)

About the Author

University of London

Editorial Reviews

"The most illuminating exploration of the territory to appear in English since Edward Dent's historic study of 1913."—Observer

"Steptoe's clarification of the enigmatic interplay and the consequent cross-fertilization between composer and librettist is indeed a major advance in our knowledge and appreciation of Mozart's remarkable achievement."—Notes

"Steptoe has drawn a clear picture of Mozart's surroundings, both personal and musical, before and during the composition of his three most popular operas. He enlivens his discourse by drawing on contemporary accounts and on later studies. His knowledge of 18th-century Viennese opera allows him to make comparisons that clarify Mozart's contribution....Strongly recommended for both undergraduate and graduate students."—Choice

"Steptoe's clarification of the enigmatic interplay and the consequent cross-fertilization between composer and librettist is indeed a major advance in our knowledge and appreciation of Mozart's remarkable achievement."—Notes

"His discussion of Mozart and Enlightenment Vienna represents a particularly needed contribution to the field."—Opera Quarterly

From the Publisher