A voz interior e o drama cantado. (The inner voice of opera.)

Journal/Book: Revista Portuguesa de Psicanalise. 1988; 6:

Abstract: Discusses the reasons for the survival of a seemingly anachronistic and irrational form of entertainment (opera) in an age of direct and immediate shows and communication. Also examined are opera's magic and ritual aspects, its non-verbal language, and the symbolic nature of the characters it portrays, giving the audience a cathartic experience. Opera is described as a timeless and largely depersonalized experience. The order imposed by the musical discourse on the emotional disorder depicted contains a reassuring element, showing that disorder can be contained within limits acceptable to the audience. 20th-century opera, however, no longer allows the spectator to hedonistically dissolve in melody, and requires a total engagement on his/her part, while subverting his/her inner order. (French & English abstracts)

Note: psychoanalytic interpretation & reasons for survival of opera

Keyword(s): Psychoanalytic interpretation; music

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