Music in the London Theatre from Purcell to Handel

This book explores the development of musical drama in England over a century, from the theatre works of Henry Purcell to the dramatic oratorios of George Frideric Handel. It examines objections to all-sung drama, proposed solutions, the importation of Italian opera, and the creation of the dramatic oratorio. The essays highlight the vigor and vitality of English theatrical and musical traditions, and Handel's oratorios answer questions posed before his birth.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 11 February 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This book delves into a century of musical drama in England, tracing its evolution from the theatrical works of Henry Purcell and his contemporaries to the dramatic oratorios of George Frideric Handel and his contemporaries. Along the way, it explores the objections raised against all-sung drama in English during the 1700s, the various proposed solutions to these objections, the importation of Italian opera, and the emergence of the dramatic oratorio as a distinct genre in English theater.

The majority of the constituent essays provide in-depth examinations of specific aspects of this process, while others highlight the dramatic qualities found in non-dramatic works that were also performed in the theater. The journey from Purcell to Handel showcases the vibrant and dynamic traditions of English theatrical and musical heritage, and Handel's dramatic oratorios and other settings of English words address questions that were posed before his birth.

This comprehensive exploration of musical drama in England offers valuable insights into the development of the genre, the challenges faced by theater artists, and the rich tapestry of theatrical and musical traditions that have shaped the country's cultural landscape over the centuries.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 244 x 170 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316608289