The Attitude towards Women Expressed in Classical Operas

1
The Attitude towards Women Expressed in Classical
Operas
EAP Acc360 Fall 2002 Conference Talk

• Floris van Vugt

2
Introduction

• Opera
• Three levels of communication
• Language of Characters
• Language of Play
• Language of Music
• Language of Stage

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3
Outline

• Introduction
• Classical Period
• Mozart Die Zauberflöte
• Beethoven Leonore
• Conclusion

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Classical Period (1750-1825)

• Balance and Clarity
• Public Music Old Styles New Ways
• "Viennese School"
• Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert

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Mozart Die Zauberflöte
female
male
Lady
Queen of the Night
Sarastro
Papageno
Lady
Lady
Papagena
Priest
Priest
Pamina
Priest
Priest
Tamino
Lust, Revenge
Rationality Peace
Mans Victory over Woman
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Die Zauberflöte Analysis

• Language of Play
• Papageno gt Papagena.
• Ladies vs. Priests
• Language of Characters
• Damen plaudern viel.
• Schöne Jungling. vs. Erwiesen
• Language of Music
• Hölle Rache / Heilgen Hausen / Love Duet

The Queens is a losing song it is
femininity's song. The winning world is the
other one, the father's, the men's world. -
Catherine Clement
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Von Beethoven Leonore
male
female
Florestan
Leonore (Fidelio)
Governor
Minister
Jailer
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Leonore Analysis

• Language of Characters
• Praising
• edlen Mut (L18 Rez) Retterin (L18 Rez)
• emphasis on joy of Leonores husband wer ein
  holdes Weib errungen (L18 Rez)
• Language of Play
• Leonore not depicted as independent.
• Language of Music
• Women more independent role in music.
• Men on evil side depicted respectfully.

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Conclusion

• Female roles important, but usually inferior to
  males.
• Women are introduced in connection with men.
• Operas appear to be written from the males
  perspective.

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The End
Thank you for your attention.