Said on Opera

Edward W. Said was a renowned public intellectual who analyzed four major operas, exploring their social and political themes and their potential for contemporary reinterpretation. Said's insights into operatic texts and performance enrich our understanding of these works, and his book is praised for its lucid and graceful writing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 13 February 2024
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Edward W. Said, a renowned public intellectual of the late 20th century, possessed an extraordinary range of criticism. This captivating volume presents his profound and elegant analyses of four renowned operas, originally delivered as the Empson Lectures at Cambridge University in 1997. Through meticulous close readings of Mozart's Così fan tutte, Beethoven's Fidelio, Berlioz's Les Troyens, and Wagner's Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Said unveils the immense power of his critical acumen to challenge and upend established interpretations.

In his exploration of these operas, Said delves into their intricate connections with the social and political realities of their respective eras. He meticulously examines how each opera engages with these issues, considering their relevance to the present day. Moreover, he pays close attention to the historical context of the works, exploring the interplay between their cultural prestige and the potential for subversion. Said's analysis extends to the representation of national identity, class, and exoticism within the operas, shedding light on how cultural and literary studies can enhance our understanding of operatic texts and performances.

Written in a lucid and graceful style, Said on Opera breathes new life into well-known works, offering fresh insights and showcasing the vast scope of Said's contributions to cultural criticism. This book is accompanied by an introduction by the editor, Wouter Capitain, who contextualizes these essays within the trajectory of Said's career. Additionally, a foreword by the acclaimed opera director Peter Sellars provides a masterful appreciation of Said's achievements, highlighting his profound impact on the field.

Weight: 216g
Dimension: 140 x 216 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231212014