Graham, Arthur

Shakespeare in Opera, Ballet, Orchestral Music and Song: An Introduction to Music Inspired by the Bard

1997 0-7734-8515-5
A unique work in the study of music and literature. The reader is introduced to music from several centuries and to five of the most popular plays in great detail (Macbeth, Romeo & Juliet, The Merry Wives of Windsor, Othello, A Midsummer Night's Dream). Other plays are discussed (1 & 2 Henry IV, Henry V, The Taming of the Shrew, The Merchant of Venice). The book treats opera, ballet, symphonic music, song, incidental music, Shakespeare's use of music and his use of music as metaphor. It contains no musical notation and assumes no previous knowledge of music or of Shakespeare. Suggested CD and video recordings are listed and keyed by page number to examples in the book. Contrasting the musical works with the plays is an unusual and successful teaching technique, offering insights in to the plays that are not available through the study of the plays alone. (As with all Mellen books, this work is available at a special price when ordered for text use. For text ordering information, call (716) 754-2788.)