Description
Book SynopsisIn this comprehensive study, Emily Kilpatrick unites musical, literary, documentary and cultural perspectives to shed new light on Ravel's two operas, his working life and his compositional practice. The first study devoted to Ravel's operas, this book will be an invaluable resource for anyone who is interested in French music.
Trade Review'… altogether this is a very fine piece of work, which anyone involved in performing either of Ravel's operas should read and re-read.' Roger Nichols, BBC Music Magazine
'Scholars, singers, conductors, stage directors, and general readers hoping to gain a deeper understanding of the milieu in which these exquisite small operas were created will find illuminating insights and much to ponder.' Keith E. Clifton, Notes: The Quarterly Journal of the Music Library Association
Table of ContentsPreface; Part I. Making Operas: 1. Introduction: 'a single act at the Opéra-Comique'; 2. Ravel's hour; 3. The Child and the impresarios; Part II. Words and Music: 4. The collaborative process; 5. Songs into operas; 6. 'This archaic attempt at a modern fantasy'; 7. A portrait of an opera-ballet; Part III. The Compositional Web: 8. The 'calling cards' of L'Heure espagnole; 9. From Carmen to Concepcion; 10. The 'big, small world' of L'Enfant et les sortilèges; 11. A child of his time; Afterword.
