American opera librettos / by Andrew H. Drummond.

Author/creator Drummond, Andrew H.
Format Book
Publication InfoMetuchen, NJ : Scarecrow Press, 1973.
Descriptionv, 277 pages ; 22 cm
Subjects
Opera--United States.
Opera--New York (State). --New York.
Libretto.

Contents Introduction -- American opera from the late 19th century to 1948 -- The characteristics of dramatic elements -- Dramatic elements in American opera librettos at the New York City Opera -- Critical appraisal of American opera librettos at the New York City Opera -- Summary and conclusions. Appendix A. Complete New York City repertoire, 1948-1971 ; Appendix B. Synopses of opera librettos.
Abstract This book seeks to determine which elements are dramatically valid and positive in librettos of American operas performed at the New York City Opera Company from 1948-1971. Using an historical and critical approach, the investigation surveys briefly the development of the American opera libretto from the late nineteenth century to 1948. Following this historical background is an identification of the "dramatic elements" of librettos as defined in historical dramatic criticism. The dramatic elements in the librettos of American operas performed at the New York City Opera from 1948-1971 are then identified. Following this, a survey of critical appraisal is given to American opera librettos to ascertain additional dramatic elements, and the study concludes with the author's final appraisals of the librettos in the study. Forty American operas of this study are analyzed under three headings: plot, characterization, and style. Finally, the study surveys contemporary critical appraisal of American opera librettos under consideration.
Bibliography noteIncludes bibliography (pages 147-162) and index.
LCCN 72008111
ISBN0810805537
ISBN9780810805538

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