Opera Outside the Box: Notions of Opera in Nineteenth-Century Britain

The book explores opera "experiences" outside the British opera houses in the 19th century, examining opera-related matters in publication and performance in musical and non-musical genres. It seeks to enhance understanding of opera in Victorian Britain, including how the population learned about and experienced it, how audiences and the broader public understood the genre, and how familiarity with opera played out in British culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 18 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Opera Beyond the Stage: Exploring Nineteenth-Century Britain's Opera Experiences

This captivating collection of essays delves into the realm of opera, venturing beyond the confines of traditional opera houses in nineteenth-century Britain. Through a diverse range of perspectives, the authors examine the intricate processes through which opera and ideas surrounding it were cultivated, disseminated, and embraced across various musical and non-musical genres. By exploring opera-related matters in publications, performances, and various forms of media, outside the conventional channels of operatic transmission, the essays showcase the broad spectrum of questions that arise in the quest to uncover shared characteristics that can shed fresh light on the experiences and manifestations of opera in Victorian Britain.

As a collective, these essays exemplify the diverse range of issues that must be addressed to identify commonalities that can offer innovative insights into the world of opera and its notions in Victorian Britain. By unpacking the significance, relevance, applications, and impacts of opera within British society, this collection aims to enhance our understanding of the manifold ways in which the population engaged with and experienced opera, the perceptions held by audiences and the broader public regarding the genre and its aesthetics, the role of familiarity with opera in British culture, and the ways in which British customs, values, and principles shaped the genre and perceptions of opera.

The essays in this collection explore various aspects of opera's presence and influence in nineteenth-century Britain, including its role in shaping cultural identity, its impact on social and political discourse, and its influence on artistic expression. They examine the ways in which opera was adapted to different contexts, such as popular entertainment, educational institutions, and religious ceremonies, and explore the ways in which it influenced the development of other artistic genres, such as literature, music, and visual art.

Furthermore, the essays shed light on the complex relationships between opera and the broader society of nineteenth-century Britain, including the ways in which it was received by different social classes, the impact of colonialism on the genre, and the ways in which it was used to promote national identity and cultural heritage. They also explore the ways in which opera was influenced by technological advancements, such as the rise of the printing press and the development of new forms of media, and the ways in which it was adapted to accommodate changing audience preferences and expectations.

In conclusion, Opera Beyond the Stage: Exploring Nineteenth-Century Britain's Opera Experiences is a valuable contribution to the field of opera studies, offering a rich and multifaceted perspective on the genre's presence and influence in nineteenth-century Britain. Through its exploration of opera's diverse manifestations and its engagement with a wide range of cultural and social issues, the collection provides a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of opera and its place in nineteenth-century British society.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032168869