Curating Opera

Abstract

Recent decades have seen the art curator emerge from a behind-the-scenes, anonymous position to that of a public functionary, challenging the role of the artist as the dominant force in the creation of art. A blurring of the roles of artist, gallerist and curator has resulted, along with a diversification in disciplines that attract curatorial attention, including science and architecture. The notion of Gesamtkunstwerk has frequently been evoked in the literature and even found its way into exhibition titles.1 The blurring of curatorial roles is also a characteristic of the opera house, where the singer, composer, conductor, impresario and (most recently), the stage director historically vie for predominance, giving rise to the power struggles for which the world of opera is renowned. The competing forces that drive operatic practice have so far had no visible commentators (such as the art world has recently acquired), to examine curating and curatorial roles within the opera house and to demystify the process for the public. This thesis will: (1) consider the so-called ‘birth’ of opera, with reference to the near-contemporary rise of the modern art museum; (2) examine aspects of the performance history of works by Gluck, Mozart and Beethoven, in order to demonstrate curatorial practices employed in the dissemination and maintenance of the repertoire; (3) consider curatorial tendencies within the modern opera house with reference to current performance practices and the related practices of art museums, highlighting aspects of authenticity, authorial intent, preservation and historically informed performance practice.