University of Illinois Press:
Blackness in Opera
[Brought to the Attention of AfriClassical by Aja Burrell Wood]
How race and blackness play out in opera
How race and blackness play out in opera
Blackness in Opera critically examines the
intersections of race and music in the multifaceted genre of opera. A
diverse cross-section of scholars places well-known operas (Porgy and Bess, Aida, Treemonisha) alongside lesser-known works such as Frederick Delius's Koanga, William Grant Still's Blue Steel, and Clarence Cameron White's Ouanga!
to reveal a new historical context for re-imagining race and blackness
in opera. The volume brings a wide-ranging, theoretically informed,
interdisciplinary approach to questions about how blackness has been
represented in these operas, issues surrounding characterization of
blacks, interpretation of racialized roles by blacks and whites,
controversies over race in the theatre and the use of blackface, and
extensions of blackness along the spectrum from grand opera to musical
theatre and film. In addition to essays by scholars, the book also
features reflections by renowned American tenor George Shirley.
Contributors
are Naomi André, Melinda Boyd, Gwynne Kuhner Brown, Karen M. Bryan,
Melissa J. de Graaf, Christopher R. Gauthier, Jennifer McFarlane-Harris,
Gayle Murchison, Guthrie P. Ramsey Jr., Eric Saylor, Sarah
Schmalenberger, Ann Sears, George Shirley, and Jonathan O. Wipplinger.
"A highly readable collection of interesting essays
that come to terms with the deeply problematic treatment of black
characters by opera composers and librettists and with the exceptional
challenges facing black singers on the operatic stage. The volume will
appeal to opera lovers and scholars alike."--Michael V. Pisani, author
of Imagining Native America in Music.
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