Title
The Complete Works of W. H. Auden: Libretti and Other Dramatic Writings, 19391973 (The Complete Works of W. H. Auden, 4),Used
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W. H. Auden called opera the 'last refuge of the High Style,' and considered it the one art in which the grand manner survived the ironic levelings of modernity. He began writing libretti soon after he arrived in America in 1939 and abandoned his earlier attempts to write public, political drama. Opera gave him the opportunity to rise to the high style in public, not in an attempt to elevate his own status as a poet, but in service of the heroic voice of the singers. These works present their mythical actions with a direct intensity unlike anything in even his greatest poems. In this volume of Auden and Chester Kallman's libretti, extensive historical and textual notes trace the history of the production and revision of the works and provide full texts of early scenarios, as well as abandoned and rewritten scenes.Almost all the works included here were previously published in incomplete and often inaccessible editionsor were never published at all. The book prints for the first time the full text of Paul Bunyan, Auden's first libretto, which he wrote for music by Benjamin Britten. It also includes Auden and Kallman's The Rake's Progress, written for Igor Stravinsky, and Delia, written for Stravinsky but never set to music. The book continues with Auden and Kallman's two libretti written for music by Hans Werner Henze, Elegy for Young Lovers and The Bassarids, and their adaptation of Love's Labour's Lost, composed by Nicolas Nabokov. It also contains their translation of The Magic Flute, with its scenes reordered for greater dramatic coherence and added dialogue for sharper mythical significance, and their antimasque, The Entertainment of the Senses, for music by John Gardner.The book contains two radio playsThe Dark Valley, a monologue written by Auden alone, and The Rocking Horse Winner, written with James Stern and based on a story by D. H. Lawrence. Also included are the unpublished masque that Auden wrote for Kallman's twentysecond birthday, the unpublished versions of The Dutchess of Malfi that Auden prepared with Bertolt Brecht, scenarios for a film script and a libretto that were never completed, Auden's narrative for the medieval Play of Daniel, two narratives for documentary films, and his song lyrics written for Man of La Mancha before the producer decided to use a different lyricist.
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- Q: What is the main theme of The Complete Works of W. H. Auden? A: The main theme revolves around the exploration of high artistic expression in opera, contrasting with modernity's ironic tendencies, as W. H. Auden emphasizes the heroic voice and mythical actions within his libretti.
- Q: Who collaborated with W. H. Auden on the libretti included in this book? A: W. H. Auden collaborated with Chester Kallman on the libretti included in this book, showcasing their joint creative efforts in opera.
- Q: What types of works are featured in this collection? A: This collection features libretti, radio plays, unpublished masques, and various scenarios, encompassing a wide range of dramatic writings from 1939 to 1973.
- Q: Is this edition of The Complete Works of W. H. Auden suitable for academic study? A: Yes, this edition is suitable for academic study, as it includes extensive historical and textual notes that provide context and analysis of the works.
- Q: How many pages does The Complete Works of W. H. Auden contain? A: The Complete Works of W. H. Auden contains 823 pages.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is bound in hardcover, providing durability and a classic presentation.
- Q: When was The Complete Works of W. H. Auden published? A: The Complete Works of W. H. Auden was published on July 26, 1993.
- Q: Are there any notable libretti included in this volume? A: Yes, notable libretti included are 'Paul Bunyan,' 'The Rake's Progress,' and their adaptation of 'Love's Labour's Lost,' showcasing a variety of musical collaborations.
- Q: Is The Complete Works of W. H. Auden only about opera? A: No, while it focuses on opera, the collection also includes radio plays and other dramatic writings, reflecting Auden's diverse creative output.
- Q: What condition is the book in when purchased? A: The book is listed as a used book in good condition.