The Wings of Daedalus and Alexandros: two tragic operas inspired by the theory of the affections

Squillante, Maurizio (2012). The Wings of Daedalus and Alexandros: two tragic operas inspired by the theory of the affections. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Squillante12PhD.pdf
PDF - Accepted Version
Restricted to Repository staff only until 31 December 2039.
Download (18MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

This thesis presents the librettos, scores and CD recordings of two contemporary operas – The Wings of Daedalus and Alexandros – conceived, composed and, in the case of The Wings of Daedalus staged, by myself, along with detailed analysis of the development phases of various different aspects (such as dramaturgy, libretto, staging and characterisation, and particularly the composition of the vocal line and electronic accompaniment of each opera), following them from the initial idea to the final result. All this is paralleled with the period in the development of Western music four hundred years ago that led to the birth of opera. That transitional phase is correlated with my work and its contemporary context, as seen from various viewpoints. I have chosen The Theory of the Affections as an exemplary connecting point between these chronologically distant eras in music, and used it to identify important links between compositional intention and vocal practice in the years leading up to 1600 and those leading up to 2000. This in turn leads me to explain specifically my own compositional techniques - many of which are radically unusual and correlate them with The Theory of the Affections as approaches to creating opera.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):