ISBN 9790006567522. 33 x 24.3 cm inches. Text: Voltaire.
Rameau's only extant opera based on a libretto by Voltaire has come down to us in two versions (1745 and 1746), that of 1745 having long been regarded as lost. Volume IV.12 of the"Opera omnia Rameau"now provides a complete edition for the first time and thus the means to perform both versions.
Voltaire refers to Metastasio in his libretto, in that he wanted to liberate the opera from the gallant milieu in order to make it a moralising and at the same time both edifying and political work of art for the stage. Following a prologue dedicated to the personified Envy, the tyrants Belus and Bacchus are chased out of the Temple of Glory and Trajan is finally crowned with a laurel wreath for defeating the rebels, forgiving them and then transforming the Temple of Glory into a public temple.
The music contains many remarkable passages, examples being a richly orchestrated overture, the famous monologue"Profonds abimes du Tenare"with obbligato bassoons and Trajan's artful final scene"Ramage d'oiseaux".
The opera's individual instrumental movements are also available in the customary manner now as a practical separate edition.
The performance material is available on hire.
About Barenreiter Urtext
What can I expect from a Barenreiter Urtext edition?
MUSICOLOGICALLY SOUND
- A reliable musical text based on all available sources
- A description of the sources
- Information on the genesis and history of the work
- Valuable notes on performance practice
- Includes an introduction with critical commentary explaining source discrepancies and editorial decisions
... AND PRACTICAL
- Page-turns, fold-out pages, and cues where you need them
- A well-presented layout and a user-friendly format
- Excellent print quality
- Superior paper and binding
