Description
Book SynopsisThis is a full translation, with introduction and annotations, of Symphonic Etudes, first published in 1922 by the eminent twentieth-century scholar and critic Boris Asafyev. Each chapter focuses on one or more operas and ballets by Russian composers, viewed from the perspectives of musical style and psychology.
Trade ReviewExhibits a vibrant criticism...Users will appreciate a deeper perspective of program notes from this volume. * American Reference Books Annual, March 2008 *
Asafev and Haas provide many intruguing, thematically interconnected insights into 'golden age' Russian opera. * Opera News Online, February 2009 *
Symphonic Etudes is a beautiful, yet melancholy elegy. * Slavic and East European Journal, Winter 2009 *
Haas's preface provides helpful explanations of a handful of Russian terms used throughout, and his excellent introductory essay elaborates on the times in which Asafyev wrote and on his audience. Extensive endnotes help the reader with score and literary references, and make this unique scholarly work accessible. Recommended. * CHOICE *
Haas provides fine notes to augment much of Asafyve work…. Recommended as much for Haas as Asafyve. * The Opera Journal *
Table of ContentsPart 1 Translator's Preface Part 2 Introduction: Igor Glebov and the Audiences of Symphonic Etudes Chapter 3 1. A Slavonic Liturgy to Eros Chapter 4 2. Intermezzo I Chapter 5 3. Nikolai Andreyevich Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) Chapter 6 4. The Maid of Pskov Chapter 7 5. May Night Chapter 8 6. Snow-Maiden (A Tale of Spring) Chapter 9 7. Incantations Chapter 10 8. Christmas Eve (A True-Life Carol) Chapter 11 9. The Problem of a City Made Visible Chapter 12 10. Tale Chapter 13 11. The Legend of the Invisible City Chapter 14 12. Kingdom of Skomorokhi Chapter 15 13. Intermezzo II Chapter 16 14. The Operas of Tchaikovsky Chapter 17 15. The Queen of Spades Chapter 18 16. Modest Petrovich Musorgsky (1839-1881): Toward a Reappraisal of His Works Chapter 19 17. Intermezzo III Chapter 20 18. Igor Stravinsky and His Ballets Chapter 21 19. In Lieu of a Finale Part 22 Index of Russian Operas, Ballets, and Principal Roles Part 23 General Index Part 24 About the Author
