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READING RELIGION: A MUSIC AND TEXT APPROACH TO RELIGIOUS THEMES IN TOSCAAND SUOR ANGELICA

MASSOL, JAMES
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1196129960

Abstract Details

2007, M.M., University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music : Music History.
This thesis analyzes the treatment of religious themes in the librettos and scores of Giacomo Puccini’s operas Tosca and Suor Angelica and explores Puccini’s own experience with religion. While it is difficult to draw sound conclusions about his beliefs from contemporary sources, we can infer a general ambivalence to the institution of the Church. The librettos of both operas, though, contain a clear subtext of anticlericalism, contrasting the forces of theocratic tyranny and love, and this theme reflects the anticlerical sentiments prevalent during Italy’s Risorgimento. To underscore the textual polarity, Puccini employs liturgical topics and dissonance in the music for the antagonists and sentimental, romantic styles for the protagonists. Thus, the scores have an active role in shaping the narrative. Finally, this thesis concludes by addressing whether or not there is more to deduce about Puccini’s own faith from the analysis of both operas.
Dr. Mary Sue Morrow (Advisor)
108 p.
Music
Puccini; Opera; Religion; Tosca; Suor Angelica

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • MASSOL, J. (2007). READING RELIGION: A MUSIC AND TEXT APPROACH TO RELIGIOUS THEMES IN TOSCAAND SUOR ANGELICA [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1196129960

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • MASSOL, JAMES. READING RELIGION: A MUSIC AND TEXT APPROACH TO RELIGIOUS THEMES IN TOSCAAND SUOR ANGELICA. 2007. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1196129960.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • MASSOL, JAMES. "READING RELIGION: A MUSIC AND TEXT APPROACH TO RELIGIOUS THEMES IN TOSCAAND SUOR ANGELICA." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1196129960

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1196129960
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© 2007, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.