Each tale chases another. Metaphorical representations, non-linearity and openness of narrative structure in Italian opera from post-WWII to It makes no difference

This work addresses the demands of framing a theoretical problem and practice-based research and it therefore comprises two parts: a thesis and a composition. The thesis discusses the narrative structure of post-WWII Italian avant-garde opera in conceptual terms and demonstrates how it develops on three principal features: the metaphorical representation of socio-political conditions, the non-linearity of the dramaturgy, and openness to a plurality of interpretations. My composition It makes no difference contributes both as a new musico-theatrical work and an outcome of the discussion presented in the thesis. The main text is composed of three main chapters, each respectively dedicated to the features of socio-political representation, non-linearity and openness. Each chapter is in turn divided into two sub-chapters: the first presents the contextualisation and analysis of post-WWII Italian experimental operas, the second explores It makes no difference in relation to both these operas and the above three features. The discussion examines those works that have most significantly experimented with socio-political representations, non-linearity and openness. These include Luigi Nono’s Intolleranza 1960 (1961), Sylvano Bussotti’s La Passion selon Sade (1966) and Luciano Berio’s Opera (1977). At the same time, it omits both those operas relying on traditional operatic principles and those others that, although being experimental, do not focus on the three features this thesis puts forward. This study considers post-WWII Italian avant-garde opera in cross-disciplinary terms and highlights the necessity of discussing it in relation to disciplines other than those proper to the genre of opera, including prose-theatre, literature, politics and philosophy. The composition, on the other hand, provides a synthesis of the above three features: It makes no difference develops a multi-narrative structure whilst providing a representation of contemporary Italian socio-political life and epitomising the concept of openness. At the same time, it integrates theatrical and literary elements and combines traditional notation and graphic scores.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

City University London

Year dc:date.issued

2015

Author dc:creator

• Spagnolo, Simone

• M Music