Synopses & Reviews
Opera has often used classical literature as a means of expressing the most vital concerns of the period in which the operas were written.
Sing Sorrow explores the classical roots of many noted operas, illustrating the ways in which the operas reflected the political concerns of their time through these ancient narratives. In particular, though female opera characters are often regarded as victims, they are actually quite heroic, frequently shaping their own destinies.
Each chapter provides background and historical context, examines the relationship between the opera and the original work of literature, and suggests what the music contributes to the interpretation. Through the lens of the classics, Sing Sorrow approaches opera from a unique aesthetic and cultural standpoint, giving a new perspective to both opera and its literary and dramatic ancestors.
Review
Dr. McDonald takes eight operas, spanning the whole period from the birth of the genre to the present day, and analyses them alongside the epic or tragic models from classical antiquity from which they derive their inspiration. Her book is infused with a deep love of music and of literature alike, and with the conviction that music, no less than language, can express the essence of the text. Dr. McDonald has attempted something new and bold, and has carried it off with panache.James Diggle, Professor of Greek and Latin, Cambridge University
Review
The book is outstanding for its wide, profound and passionate scholarship. Harmoniously combining theatrical insight with literary sensitivity, the author leads the reader deftly from Monteverdi to Berlioz and onwards to Theodorakis. Her social awareness enables her to place operatic performances in their political contexts-music for her, as for Plato, is political; and questions of imperialism, ethnicity, and feminism are candidly confronted. Her knowlegde of Greek myth and her-not unsympathetic-perceptions of Christian doctrine are deployed with critical skill in the heartfelt interpretation of human joy and pain. This is a work of originality, but also of magnanimity.George L. Huxley Professor emeritus of Greek Queens University of Belfast Author of Greek Epic Poetry, et al
Review
[A]n enthusiastic study.The Classical Review
Review
The book is outstanding for its wide, profound and passionate scholarship. Harmoniously combining theatrical insight with literary sensitivity, the author leads the reader deftly from Monteverdi to Berlioz and onwards to Theodorakis. Her social awareness enables her to place operatic performances in their political contexts-music for her, as for Plato, is political; and questions of imperialism, ethnicity, and feminism are candidly confronted. Her knowlegde of Greek myth and her-not unsympathetic-perceptions of Christian doctrine are deployed with critical skill in the heartfelt interpretation of human joy and pain. This is a work of originality, but also of magnanimity.George L. Huxley Professor emeritus of Greek Queens University of Belfast Author of Greek Epic Poetry, et al
Review
The book is likely to become a standard reference work for years to come.The Opera Quarterly
Review
Sing Sorrow is one of those rare books that need to exist, and when you come across it you can't believe it took this long for someone to write it. It is hard-headed, bi-learned at very least, practical, useful, wide-ranging in scope and theme, monumental though compact, and by the time it reaches a revised, second edition will cross the bar from an excellent to a great work.Arion
Review
As a theatre professional and passionate operagoer, I found this the most engaging and informative book in the field of opera that I have ever read. Professor McDonald's meticulous scholarship and love for her subject informs every page. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough to anyone who, like myself, wants to know more about the remarkable second life of the great classics in this musical form.Athol Fugard Playwright
Review
Marianne McDonald moves so gracefully through her histories of opera, music and the drama that one sometimes forgets that one is being carried along on a steady current of formidable scholarship. It flows with such apparent effortlessness and zest that one can almost overlook how formidable that scholorship actually is. Learning so lightly worn is such a pleasure.Alexander Cockburn syndicated columnist for the Nation Author ofThe Golden Age is in the US
Review
This book is a revelation of the many and varied ways that European opera over the last three hundred years, from Monteverdi to Theodorakis has adapted Greek and Latin epic and tragedy for variety of purposes. It is an exemplary study in the forms of cultural transmission; in the changing versions of heroism; in the complex relations between words and music. Most of all it is a short story of the cultural legacy of the classics and their enduring power over the centuries, brilliantly told, richly illustrated and impressively documented.Seamus Deane Author, Keough Professor of Irish Studies, University of Notre Dame
Synopsis
Examines the use of classical literature in opera and the political, cultural, and gender implications of such usage.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index.
About the Author
MARIANNE MCDONALD is Professor of Theatre and Classics at the University of California, San Diego, and a member of the Royal Irish Academy. She was a Fulbright professor in 1999 and in addition to her post at UCSD, is adjunct professor at Trinity College Dublin and a fellow at the National University of Ireland. With over 140 publications, she is the author of Terms for Happiness in Euripides, Euripides in Cinema, Ancient Sun/Modern Light, and Star Myths.
Table of Contents
Prelude
The Birth of Opera and Transmission of Classics
Monteverdi's Il ritorno d'Ulisse in patria: Heroism at Home
Henry Purcell's Dido and Aeneas: Witches and Weddings
Mozart's Idomeneo, re di Creta: The King of the Day
Berlioz's Les Troyens: Making the Romans Romantic
Strauss's Elektra: A Father's Daughter
Stravinsky's Oedipus Rex: The King in a Trap
The Gospel at Colonus: Black Pearls and Greek Diamonds
Theodorakis and Euripides' Medea: The Wife and Mother from Hell
Coda
Selected Bibliography on Music
Index