Opera as Art

Paul Thom argues that opera is a set of practices framed by the concepts of work, interpretation, performance, and art. His argument is that operatic works have the potential to be art, but so do operatic productions, independently of their value as interpretations of the works they stage.

Paul Thom

Chapter One. Speech, Harmony, Rhythm Chapter Two. Representing the Marvellous Chapter Three. A Gallery of Affects Chapter Four. A World of Terror and Laughter Chapter Five. The Power of the Crescendo Chapter Six. The Aesthetic Attitude Chapter Seven. Sublime Diversions Chapter Eight. A Grand Comic Opera Chapter Nine. Shock and Sentiment Chapter Ten. The Limits of Expressibility Chapter Eleven. The Limits of Tonality Chapter Twelve. The Uncanny