Meyerbeer’s Le Prophète A Parable of Politics, Faith and Transcendence
Produktdetaljer
Biografisk notat
Robert Ignatius Letellier has specialized in the music and literature of the Romantic Period. He has studied the work of Giacomo Meyerbeer, having published a four-volume English edition of his diaries, a collection of critical and biographical studies, a guide to research, and two readings of his operas, as well as compiling and introducing editions of the complete libretti and non-operatic texts, and a selection of manuscripts facsimiles. He has also written on the ballets of Ludwig Minkus, compiled a series of scores from the Romantic Ballet, a sourcebook on the French opéra-comique, and a study of Daniel-François-Esprit Auber, and edited anthologies of Auber's overtures, ballet music, and a series of his operatic vocal scores."Robert Ignatius Letellier has delved into Meyerbeer's opera Le Prophète in a deep and interesting way. This book focuses on 'parables of politics, faith and transcendence,' and is important to anyone with interest in French grand opera and religion. For those who are able to read and understand the music dramaturgy and revised score, the original music can be found on pages 71-78. In addition, the lovely presentation totaling 278 photographs, paintings, woodcuts, and cartoons are on heavy glossy paper. For example, Fig. 18 shows 'Caricature of Meyerbeer bringing the Prophet to Berlin like a latter-day Messiah,' Fig. 64 shows "the Cathedral scene (stage design, Philippe Chaperon, Paris 1875)," as well as photographs of Eugene Scribe and prints from Jan van Leeden and the Anabaptist leaders. Modern productions after WWII could only provide stages fitted for Le Prophète. Revivals were first seen in London in 1959 and in the United States in 1977 and 1979. Le Prophète was performed in Germany in 2000 and in Munster in 2004 with several other performances in 2007 and 2008. Letellier has collected concise and detailed information about Meyerbeer and Le Prophète. This makes me eager to learn more about Meyerbeer's other operas."Dale Hesdorffer'Letellier has written an enthusiastic, thoroughly researched and readable account of Meyerbeer's Le Prophète. [...] Meyerbeer's work provides insights into what was the second phase of the Reformation. Letellier explores its rich symbolism. Theological, political, power and religion and social such as mother and son, and womanhood. In addition, its musical form and style are examined. However, this opera has a visual dimension and this enables Letellier to identify its iconography. The premiere and its reception are invedtigated, as well as important subsequent and modern productions. The book has beautiful contemporary illustrations that enliven our understanding of the opera and its period. Letellier demonstrates his scholarship by providing a comprehensive range of indices and an exhaustive bibliography.'Robert Gibson