Description
Book SynopsisExplores the female roles in Mozart's four most frequently performed operas, Le nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, Cosi fan tutte, and Die Zauberflote. Each chapter looks at the music, libretto text, literary sources, and historical factors that give shape to a character, re-evaluating common assumptions and proposing fresh interpretations.
Trade Review“An interesting, unique, well-written study.” * CHOICE *
“Brown-Montesano has set out to write something that will be of value to directors and singers in search of a character and general opera lovers who simply want to understand more about Mozart. This lively, perceptive study succeeds brilliantly on all counts.” * Classical Music Magazine *
Table of ContentsContents Acknowledgments Overture Act One: (Anti-)Heroines and Women on the Edge 1. Feminine Vengeance I: The Assailed/Assailant Donna Anna 2. Sisterhood and Seduction I: Abandonment and Rescue Donna Elvira 3. Class Survival Zerlina 4. Feminine Vengeance II: (Over)Powered Politics The Queen of the Night 5. Good Daughter, Good Wife Pamina 6. Woman's Identity I: Sacred and Profane The Three Ladies and Papagena Act Two: Sisterly Alliances and Sisters Subverted 7. Sisterhood and Seduction II: Friendship and Class Countess Almaviva and Susanna 8. Woman's Identity II: Loss and Legitimacy Marcellina and Barbarina 9. Sisterhood and Seduction III: Intimacy and Influence Fiordiligi and Dorabella 10. Survival Class Despina Notes Works Cited Index
