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Robert Saxton: Caritas (Paperback)
Loot Price: R1,327
Discovery Miles 13 270
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Robert Saxton: Caritas (Paperback)
Series: Landmarks in Music Since 1950
Expected to ship within 12 - 17 working days
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Caritas relates the 'true', yet largely undocumented story of
Christine Carpenter, a 14th-century anchoress who moves towards
insanity as her desire for a divine revelation continues to be
unfulfilled after a period of three years locked in her cell.
Although physically isolated, she is aware of the worldly life and
love that she has abandoned. The very essence of the drama is the
dogmatic refusal of her Bishop to release her from her vows. Set
against the backcloth of the Peasants' Uprising (1381), the
libretto/play juxtaposes sacred and secular worlds, the relative
power and servitude of rulers and serfs, and the terrifying ordeal
of Christine who is caught between the inflexibility of the
established church and her personal religious expectations. Such a
narrative was to offer rich opportunities for musical
characterization and evocation of the historical context of the
action, as well as substantial challenges in pacing and integrating
the sequence of dramatic 'snap-shots' that culminate in a scene of
total despair. The colourful juxtaposition of secular life and that
of a recluse in Act One culminates in a Second Act finale of
immense dramatic power in which Saxton's vocal and instrumental
writing reaches new heights - a landmark both in his output and in
late 20th century opera. Caritas - first performed in 1991 -
occupies an important position in Robert Saxton's output and, as
Thomas argues, in British opera during the closing decades of the
20th century. Thomas provides a detailed contextual setting in
which to evaluate Caritas, as well as presenting an analytical
commentary on the structure, musical language, instrumentation,
staging and production of the opera. Thomas concludes with a
reflection on the reception of Caritas as well as looking forward
to Saxton's later and future works. A downloadable resource of the
first performance is included.
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