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Zusatztext 'This study offers! for the first time! a fascinating scene-by-scene commentary on Birtwistle's magnum opus. Drawing on revealing insights from the composer's sketches! Jonathan Cross negotiates expertly between details of compositional structure and the work's poetic content. The frequent references to other works make this book a valuable companion for anyone interested in a deeper understanding of Birtwistle's music.' Robert Adlington! University of Nottingham! UK 'With Jonathan Cross! author of numerous important texts on Birtwistle! [The Mask of Orpheus] has found a most persuasive advocate.' Music and Letters Informationen zum Autor Jonathan Cross is Professor of Musicology at Christ Church! University of Oxford! UK Zusammenfassung The Mask of Orpheus is viewed as a key work in the development of opera since the Second World War, that pushed at the boundaries of what was possible in lyrical theatre. In its imaginative fusion of music, song, drama, myth, mime and electronics, it has become the object of wide critical attention. Inhaltsverzeichnis Contents: Introduction; The myth of Orpheus; The Mask of Orpheus: Act I; The Mask of Orpheus: Act II; The Mask of Orpheus: Act III; Interpreting Orpheus; Looking back: interviews with Peter Zinovieff and Harrison Birtwistle; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.
Summary
The Mask of Orpheus is viewed as a key work in the development of opera since the Second World War, that pushed at the boundaries of what was possible in lyrical theatre. In its imaginative fusion of music, song, drama, myth, mime and electronics, it has become the object of wide critical attention.