| Contents |
Part I. Versification and melodic aesthetics ; Rhythm and stanza in French and Italian librettos ; French and Italian melodic aesthetics and practice ca. 1830-1870 ; Episode: Design, middleground rhythm, and phrase -- Part II. French melody in Verdi's operas ; Jérusalem and its influence on the subsequent Italian operas ; Les Vêpres Siciliennes and its influence on the subsequent Italian operas ; Don Carlos and after -- Appendix: Principal theoretical texts cited (arranged in chronological order by date of publication). |
| Abstract |
Focusing on Verdi's French operas, the author shows how the composer acquired an ever better understanding of the various approaches to French versification while gradually bringing his works in line with French melodic aesthetic. Drawing attention to the significance of the operatic libretto for the stylistic and dramatic development of nineteenth-century French and Italian opera, this book illustrates Verdi's gradual mastery of the challenges he faced and their historical significance. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 271-286) and index. |
| LCCN | 2007045344 |
| ISBN | 9780521878432 (hardback) |
| ISBN | 0521878438 (hardback) |
