The Voice of Judith in 300 Years of Oratorio and OperaPaleoJudaica posts on Judith in the arts, including opera, are collected here. For the historical and literary background of the Book of Judith, start here (cf. here) and follow the links. Cross-file under Old Testament Apocrypha Watch.By: Helen Leneman
Published: 04-22-2021
Format: Hardback
Edition: 1st
Extent: 280
ISBN: 9780567687302
Imprint: T&T Clark
Illustrations: 6 bw illus
Dimensions: 6 1/8" x 9 1/4"
List price:$120.00
Online price: $108.00
Save $12.00 (10%)Hardback $108.00
PDF eBook (Watermarked) $86.40About The Voice of Judith in 300 Years of Oratorio and Opera
This volume focuses on the story of Judith as presented by composers, librettists and playwrights over four centuries. Helen Leneman analyzes numerous examples of music, librettos and the librettists' views of Judith – strongly influenced by societal attitudes of their time – and how these works in turn suggest unexpected ways of understanding biblical women and their stories. Music adds nuances, colors and emotions, becoming a subtext that suggests character and emotions.
Leneman presents in-depth analyses of the librettos and music of 16 operas and oratorios based on the book of Judith that span 300 years (1694-1984), in addition to two influential plays that inspired several librettos in the nineteenth century. Exploring works by such varied composers as Vivaldi, Mozart, Parry, Honegger, Serov, Chadwick and von Reznicek, Leneman reveals the ways in which each adaptation expands, distils or reinterprets Judith's character and story. In this first ever extensive study of musical settings of the Book of Judith, Leneman enables the biblical heroine to transcend her source.
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