About This Book
Mozart wrote Idomeneo when he was twenty-four years old, and the opera was described by Albert Einstein as "e;one of those works that even a genius like Mozart could write only once in his life"e;. It is one of most astonishing achievements of an altogether astonishing career.In this newly commissioned guide, Julian Rushton explains the special nature of the music in a detailed analysis of its themes and development, while Nicholas Till places the opera in its context as an expression of the Enlightenment. Gary Kahn explores the performance history of an opera which, although largely ignored for over a hundred and fifty years, has now taken its place as part of the international operatic repertoire. A selection of the unique letters between Mozart and his father written during the opera's composition is also included.Contains: Idomeneo and the Background of the Enlightenment, Nicholas TillIdomeneo, re di Creta, the Music, Julian RushtonA Brief Performance History, Gary KahnThe Composition of Idomeneo in Mozart's LettersIdomeneo: Libretto by Giambattista VarescoIdomeneo: English Translation by Charles Johnston
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Table of contents
- Idomeneo and the Backgroundof the Enlightenment
- Idomeneo, re di Creta: the music
- A Brief Performance History
- The Composition of Idomeneoin Mozartâs Letters
- Thematic Guide
- Idomeneo, re di Creta
- Translatorâs Note
- ACT ONE
- ACT TWO
- ACT THREE
- Notes
- Select Discography
- Idomeneo on DVD
- Select Bibliography
- Mozart Websites
- Note on the Contributors
- Acknowledgements