Maurice Maeterlinck described his libretto Ariane et Barbe-bleue as "a sort of legendary opera, or fairy [opera], in three acts." In 1907, Paul Dukas finished setting Maeterlinck's libretto to music, and the opera's Paris premiere was lauded as a landmark in operatic history.

Ariane & Bluebeard: From Fairy Tale to Comic Book Opera offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary look at this historic opera, including its structure, reception, and cultural implications. This lively collection juxtaposes chapters from experts in music, literature, the visual arts, gender studies, and religion and philosophy with vibrant illustrations by comic artist P. Craig Russell and interviews with performers and artists.

Featuring material from newly discovered documents and the first English translation of several important sources, Ariane & Bluebeard allows readers to imagine the opera in its various incarnations: as symbolist show, comic book, children's fairy tale, and more.

About the Author

Matthew Brown is Professor of Music Theory at the Eastman School of Music. He is author of numerous articles and five books, including Debussy Redux: The Impact of His Music on Popular Culture (IUP). In 2011, he founded TableTopOpera, a multimedia chamber ensemble based at the Eastman School of Music.

Th. Emil Homerin was Professor of Religion and Former Chair of the Department of Religion and Classics at the University of Rochester. His works include a number of books and articles on Islam, Arabic literature, and mysticism. He is author (with Joy Calico and Matthew Brown) of "Comic Book Opera: P. Craig Russell's Salome in a Production by Table Top Opera" in The Opera Quarterly.

Reviews

"It is often authoritative and comprehensive; it is especially well informed on the origins of the libretto, Maeterlinck's philosophical and literary influences, and the collaborative processes between the playwright, the composer Paul Dukas, and the singer Georgette Leblanc. The tables of recordings, performances, and so on render this book an invaluable tool for researchers."-Laura Watson, author of Paul Dukas: Composer and Critic

"This is as thorough an examination of Ariane et Barbe-bleue, in all its aspects, as one is likely to see. Generous appendixes with illustrations and historical documents round out the picture. An intriguing addition to the literature on music."-B. J. Murray, Miami University

Book Information
ISBN 9780253063168
Author Matthew G. Brown
Format Hardback
Page Count 384
Imprint Indiana University Press
Publisher Indiana University Press