Ariane & Bluebeard: From Fairy Tale to Comic Book Opera

Maurice Maeterlinck's libretto, Ariane et Barbe-bleue, was completed by Paul Dukas in 1907. This opera is considered a landmark in operatic history. Ariane & Bluebeard: From Fairy Tale to Comic Book Opera provides a comprehensive look at the opera, including its structure, reception, and cultural implications. It juxtaposes chapters from experts with illustrations by P. Craig Russell and interviews with performers and artists. The book features newly discovered documents and the first English translation of important sources, allowing readers to imagine the opera in different incarnations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Indiana University Press

Maurice Maeterlinck's libretto, Ariane et Barbe-bleue, is often described as a legendary opera or fairy [opera] in three acts. In 1907, Paul Dukas completed the musical setting of Maeterlinck's libretto, resulting in the opera's historic Paris premiere, which was celebrated as a significant milestone in operatic history.

Ariane & Bluebeard: From Fairy Tale to Comic Book Opera provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of this renowned opera, encompassing its structure, reception, and cultural significance. This lively collection brings together chapters from experts in music, literature, the visual arts, gender studies, and religion and philosophy, accompanied by vibrant illustrations by comic artist P. Craig Russell and interviews with performers and artists.

Featuring material from newly discovered documents and the first English translation of several important sources, Ariane & Bluebeard offers readers a unique opportunity to envision the opera in various incarnations: as a symbolist show, a comic book, a children's fairy tale, and more. This rich and multifaceted approach sheds light on the enduring legacy of Maeterlinck's masterpiece and its profound impact on the world of opera and beyond.

Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780253063175