¶ … Exoticism in Nineteenth and Early-Twentieth Century Opera
The objective of this study is to answer as to what is meant by exoticism in nineteenth and early-twentieth century opera and as to what the appeal of exoticism to European librettists and composers. This work will take two operas as case studies and explore both the ways in which the librettists handle their subject matter and the ways in which the composers attempted to represent exoticism in musical terms. For the purpose of this study, the opera Salome by Richard Strauss and Aida by Giuseppe Verdi are chosen. This study will first examine Salome followed by an examination of Salome.
Salome the Opera
It has been said that Salome is the "most important event in German opera since the work of Richard Wagner." (Manitoba Opera 2011-2012) In fact, according to critics 'its concentrated power, eerie and sinister harmonies, and extraordinarily exotic orchestration marked a new development in opera music." (Manitoba Opera 2011-2012) Critics are reported to be in praise of Strauss for his musical composition of Salome which is "so delicately and thoughtfully" & #8230;communicative of the character's emotions which are complex in nature and to convey these emotions in ways that words would fail to suffice. (Manitoba Opera 2011-2012) The vocal demands of the Salome role are such that make a requirement equaling that of the "volume, stamina, and power of a true dramatic soprano." (Manitoba Opera 2011-2012)
II. Salome the Role
The role calls for "the agility and gracefulness of a prima ballerina therefore, some vocalists have stand-in dancers who are professional and others dance themselves. At the end of the Dance of the Seven Veils, some sopranos or those who are stand-ins for them adorn a body stocking beneath the veils and others have even appeared nude as the dance concludes. It is reported that Christian traditions depict Salome as an icon of "Dangerous female seductiveness, or concentrate on her lighthearted and cold foolishness that led to John the Baptist's death." (Manitoba Opera 2011-2012) The sexual desire of the character is that which guides the narrative of Salome. The characters are all instances of desire that has not met with fulfillment. (Manitoba Opera 2011-2012, paraphrased)
III. Salome the Music
The music of Salome...
Exoticism in 19th & 20th Century Opera The Exoticism of Madame Butterfly, Carmen, & Aida This paper will use three examples of 19th and 20th century opera to examine and interpret the term "exoticism." The paper will take time to clarify the relativity of the term exoticism and how it manifests in these three works. What is exoticism and how does it work? What is the function of exoticism in culture, in
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