Opera as Art: Philosophical Sketches

Paul Thom argues that opera is an art form that employs visual and sonic media to embody the great themes of human life, and that great operatic art combines narrative and expressive content with aesthetic qualities to achieve this aim. Modern operatic productions can be works of art in themselves, whether they give faithful renditions of the operas they stage or go beyond interpretation to commentary and critique. This book provides a philosophical introduction to the key practices of opera, including the making of the work, its interpretation, and the making of an operatic production.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2024
Publisher: Lexington Books

Opera as Art: Philosophical Sketches by Paul Thom explores the role of opera as an art form, comparing it to other visual and sonic media that convey the profound themes of human life. Thom argues that in great operatic art, the narrative and expressive content work together with the aesthetic qualities of the work to achieve this aim. This argument can be applied to modern operatic productions, which can be considered works of art in their own right. At their best, these stagings offer faithful renditions of the operas they stage and go beyond interpretation to provide commentary and critique. This book serves as a philosophical introduction to the key practices of opera, including the creation of the work, its interpretation by directors, critics, and spectators, and the production of an operatic performance. Opera has always been influenced by philosophical ideas, and this book is intended for opera enthusiasts who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the philosophical context surrounding the art form.

Weight: 345g
Dimension: 227 x 152 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666914252