Opera, Emotion, and the Antipodes Volume I: Historical Perspectives: Creating the Metropolis; Delineating the Other

This two-volume collection of essays explores the impact of cultural practices on the ability of opera to move emotions in Australia, spanning 170 years of opera production. Volume I adopts a historical perspective, while Volume II discusses subsequent Australian operas through the twenty-first century. The authors establish a model for constructing emotion history from multiple disciplinary perspectives.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Opera and emotion are undeniably intertwined, with a rich tapestry of elements contributing to the emotional impact of this art form. From the dynamic plots crafted by energetic producers and directors to the conflicts and triumphs experienced by everyone involved in opera production, to the reactions and critiques of audience members, emotion permeates every aspect of opera. However, it is important to consider the influence of cultural practices on the ability of opera to evoke and move emotions.

In this two-volume collection of extended essays, we explore the intricate relationship between emotional experiences, discourses, displays, and expressions in opera, with a specific focus on Australia as a case study. Spanning approximately 170 years of opera production in Australia, the authors demonstrate that emotional significance is not universal but is, at least partly, produced, defined, and regulated by culture.

Volume I adopts a historical perspective, primarily focusing on the nineteenth century, while Volume II employs historical, musicological, and ethnological approaches to discuss subsequent Australian operas and opera productions from the twentieth century to the present day. By drawing threads from the two volumes together, Opera, Emotion, and the Antipodes establishes a groundbreaking model for constructing emotion history from multiple disciplinary perspectives.

In Volume I, the authors delve into the historical context of opera production in Australia, examining how the emotions associated with the specific cultural context of a nation steeped in egalitarian aspirations and marked by increasing levels of multiculturalism have evolved over time. They explore how the operatic repertoire has adapted to changing cultural and social contexts, reflecting the nation's evolving identity and values.

Volume II takes a deeper dive into the emotional landscape of Australian opera, exploring the ways in which composers, performers, and audiences have engaged with the cultural and social nuances of the country. The authors examine the influence of historical events, such as the arrival of European settlers and the impact of World War II, on the development of Australian opera and its ability to convey emotions. They also explore the role of musicology and ethnology in understanding the cultural significance of opera and its emotional impact.

Through their comprehensive analysis, the authors shed light on the complex interplay between opera, emotion, and culture. They demonstrate how the emotions evoked by opera are shaped by the cultural practices of specific times and places, and how these emotions can be interpreted and understood from multiple disciplinary perspectives. Opera, Emotion, and the Antipodes offers a valuable contribution to the field of opera studies, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of the emotional dimensions of this art form.

In conclusion, opera and emotion are inextricably linked, and the cultural practices of specific times and places play a significant role in shaping the emotional impact of this art form. This two-volume collection of extended essays provides a comprehensive exploration of the relationship between opera, emotion, and culture, offering valuable insights into the ways in which emotions are produced, defined, and regulated by culture. By examining the case of Australia, the authors establish a model for constructing emotion history from multiple disciplinary perspectives, paving the way for future research and analysis in this field.

Weight: 470g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367651053