Opera on the Couch: Music, Emotional Life, and Unconscious Aspects of Mind

Contemporary psychoanalysts/authors explore the depths of character, drama, myth, culture, and psychobiography in operas through a psychoanalytic approach, unifying the diverse chapters through the interplay of music, words, and drama. Opera provides a unique bridge between thought and feeling, mind and body, and conscious and unconscious, making it an ideal art form for psychological exploration.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In this captivating compilation of essays, a collective of esteemed contemporary psychoanalysts and authors harness their honed listening skills and clinical expertise to delve into the profound depths and unravel the intricate themes of character, drama, myth, culture, and psychobiography within some of the world's most cherished operas. The diverse chapters are interconnected by a psychoanalytic lens, illuminating the nuanced tapestry of unconscious mental processes and emotional experiences that harmoniously unfold within the realm of operatic music, lyrics, and drama. Opera emerges as a unique conduit, bridging the gap between thought, feeling, mind, and body, providing a fertile ground for psychological exploration of profound human truths.

Written in a vibrant and accessible style, each piece in this collection caters to mental health professionals, musicians, academics, and enthusiasts alike, who seek to deepen their understanding and appreciation of opera as an art form. By delving into the psychological dimensions of these operas, readers are invited to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032210766