The Italian Traditions and Puccini: Compositional Theory and Practice in Nineteenth-Century Opera

Cover

The Italian Traditions Puccini Compositional Theory & Practice in NineteenthCentury Opera Nicholas Baragwanath Baragwanath & INDIANA University Press Bloomington & Indianapolis iupress.indiana.edu 1-800-842-6796 Indiana “Baragwanath represents with admirable clarity the most important (and entangled) facets of the Italian theoretical traditions. . . . An impressive tour de force.” Giorgio Sanguinetti University of Rome, Tor Vergata Cover illustration Giacomo Puccini in his garden at Torre del Lago, ca. 1909. In this groundbreaking survey of the fundamentals, methods, and formulas that were taught at Italian music conservatories during the 19th century, Nicholas Baragwanath explores the compositional significance of tradition in Rossini, Bellini, Donizetti, Verdi, Boito, and, most importantly, Puccini. Taking account of some 400 primary sources, Baragwanath explains the varying theories and practices of the period in light of current theoretical and analytical conceptions of this music. The Italian Traditions and Puccini offers a guide to an informed interpretation and appreciation of Italian opera by underscoring the proximity of archaic traditions to the music of Puccini. Nicholas Bar agwanath is Director of Postgraduate Studies and Associate Professor of Musicology in the Department of Music, University of Nottingham. Musical Meaning & Interpretation Robert S. Hatten, editor The Italian Traditions & Puccini ItalianTPmec.indd 1 5/25/11 3:45 PM ...