Seeing Opera Anew: A Cultural and Biological Perspective

Audience research suggests that people want to be absorbed in a story that engages their feelings and leads them to insights about life and themselves. "Seeing Opera Anew" offers a "stereo" perspective, adding insights from the sciences to provide a deeper understanding of how and why opera can move people.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 19 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

People seek an immersive and emotionally captivating experience from opera, one that stirs their feelings and provokes deep contemplation. Audience research indicates that they yearn to be absorbed in a narrative that resonates with their emotions, offering insights into life and perhaps even self-discovery. How and why can this fusion of music and drama achieve such profound effects? What triggers the emotional response in people when they encounter opera? How can it enhance their understanding of life and their own selves?

Seeing Opera Anew delves into these essential inquiries, offering a unique perspective that combines insights from the humanities with those from the sciences, including evolutionary biology, psychology, anthropology, and neuroscience. This interdisciplinary approach aims to bridge the gap between academic specialists and opera enthusiasts, providing a captivating blend of cultural and biological insights.

The book explores the mechanisms through which opera evokes emotions and stimulates intellectual inquiry. It examines the role of music, lyrics, and staging in creating immersive experiences that transport audiences to different worlds and evoke a range of emotions. By integrating scientific theories and empirical research, the book sheds light on the cognitive processes and physiological reactions that underpin the emotional impact of opera.

Furthermore, Seeing Opera Anew examines the cultural and historical contexts in which opera has developed and evolved. It explores the ways in which opera has reflected societal values, beliefs, and norms, and how it has influenced artistic movements and cultural traditions. By examining the historical development of opera, the book offers insights into the evolution of human emotions, social interactions, and artistic expression.

In conclusion, Seeing Opera Anew provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the power of opera to engage, inspire, and transform audiences. By offering a "stereo" perspective that combines insights from the humanities and the sciences, the book encourages academic specialists and opera enthusiasts alike to re-examine their understanding of this art form and its profound impact on human experience. Whether you are a seasoned opera lover or someone seeking to explore the mysteries of this captivating art form, this book offers valuable insights and perspectives that will enrich your appreciation and understanding of opera.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032184289