The Italian Opera Singers in Mozart's Vienna

Dorothea Link investigates singers' voices and casting practices in late eighteenth-century Italian opera, focusing on Vienna's court opera from 1783 to 1791. She analyzes the vocal-dramatic categories employed in opera and creates vocal profiles for the principal singers. The book also contextualizes the singers within the company to expose the court opera's casting practices.

Format: Hardback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 13 December 2022
Publisher: University of Illinois Press

Dorothea Link's Examination of Singers' Voices and Casting Practices in Late Eighteenth-Century Italian Opera

In her comprehensive study, Dorothea Link delves into the examination of singers' voices and casting practices in late eighteenth-century Italian opera, with a specific focus on the example of Vienna's court opera from 1783 to 1791. The investigation into the singers' voices unfolds on two interconnected levels. Firstly, it involves understanding the performers in terms of the vocal-dramatic categories employed in opera during that period. Link endeavors to shed light on the unique qualities and characteristics of the singers, their vocal range, timbre, and expressive capabilities, as they navigated the intricate world of opera performance. Secondly, the study creates vocal profiles for the principal singers, drawing upon the music composed expressly for them. By analyzing the musical compositions and the specific vocal demands they entail, Link aims to provide a deeper understanding of the individual singers and their contributions to the court opera's repertoire.

In addition to examining the singers' voices, Link contextualizes them within the company to expose the casting practices of the court opera. By examining the roles assigned to the singers and the dynamics of their performances, she sheds light on the artistic choices and considerations made by the opera's directors and producers. This contextualization adds depth and richness to the study, providing a broader perspective on the social and artistic context of the court opera in Vienna.

Authoritative and insightful, The Italian Opera Singers in Mozart's Vienna offers a singular look at a musical milieu and a valuable tool for addressing the performance-practice problem of how to cast the Mozart roles today. Through meticulous research and analysis, Link provides a comprehensive understanding of the vocal qualities, dramatic roles, and casting practices of the singers in Mozart's court opera. This study not only enriches our appreciation of the music but also contributes to our understanding of the historical and cultural context in which it was created.

In conclusion, Dorothea Link's examination of singers' voices and casting practices in late eighteenth-century Italian opera is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the rich and complex world of opera performance. By delving into the vocal qualities, dramatic roles, and casting practices of the singers in Mozart's court opera, Link offers valuable insights into the artistic choices and considerations made by the opera's directors and producers. This study not only enriches our understanding of Mozart's music but also contributes to our broader understanding of the historical and cultural context in which it was created.

Dimension: 235 x 156 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780252044649