The Musical World of Marie-Antoinette: Opera and Ballet in 18th Century Paris and Versailles

18th century Paris was declining into a baroque backwater until the crowning of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette in 1774, when it became a vibrant musical center. Austrian composer Christophe-Willibald Gluck introduced a new kind of tragic opera, ballet d'action, and lighter tunes from the Italian opera, leading to the French Revolution and the beheading of the queen.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 241 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2021
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

For decades, the 18th century in Paris had been gradually descending into a state of baroque stagnation. The once-regal spectacles of the opera had transformed into an auditory hell, as playwright Carlos Goldoni lamented. However, a seismic shift occurred in 1774 with the coronation of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, transforming Paris into a global epicenter of musical vitality.

One of the pivotal figures in this musical renaissance was the Austrian composer Christophe-Willibald Gluck, who held the esteemed position of the queen's protege. Gluck introduced a novel genre of tragic opera, characterized by its dramatic, human, and intimately connected nature. A precursor to the modern ballet, the expressive pantomime known as ballet d'action replaced the stately court dances of yesteryear. Along the bustling boulevards, the melodies of Italian opera, particularly those composed by the queen's favored composer, Andre Modeste Gretry, filled the air, captivating the hearts of Parisians.

This captivating book delves into Gluck's audacious reimagining of the grand operatic tragedy, a symbol of absolute monarchy for centuries. It explores the passionate debates that erupted between those who embraced reform and those who clung to familiar baroque tunes or the sweeter melodies of Italy. The turmoil that engulfed Paris during this period played a significant role in the brewing ferment that ultimately culminated in the French Revolution and the tragic beheading of the queen.

Weight: 483g
Dimension: 254 x 178 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476684369