ARIA: BREAKDOWN. STUDIES ON THE OPERA ARIA - MAŁGORZATA SOKALSKA

Discover the fascinating world of opera from the perspective of the aria! This book is an extraordinary journey through the history and significance of the opera aria, analyzed through the prism of its autonomous status and its influence on the entire structure of the work. Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of approaches, where the aria becomes a grateful object of admiration for listeners and literary analyses.

• In-depth analysis of opera arias
• Comparative approaches to various opera works
• New research perspectives in operology and librettology
• Interpretations supported by theoretical and historical contexts
• Reading satisfaction for opera lovers
• The author's erudition and knowledge of opera

The volume Aria: Breakdown refers to Stanisław Barańczak's poem, emphasizing the non-obvious status of the aria as an opera hit that can overshadow the remaining elements of the opera structure. Treating the aria as an autonomous unit leads to readings contrary to the mainstream interpretation of opera as an integral work. The individual chapters juxtapose arias and their singing protagonists from stylistically different works, but with similar themes, arias with different themes, but with similar functions in various operas, permeated with analogous affects or used as the basis for other musical and literary works.

The publication is a collection of extensive interpretative studies, supported by broader theoretical and historical contexts, while also forming a form of comparative approaches. The value of the book lies not only in the possibility of familiarizing oneself with the interpreted features of the aria, but also in the presentation of new research approaches, which is very important in the case of the constantly developing sub-disciplines in Polish science - operology and librettology. The book Aria: Breakdown. Studies on the opera aria is a very valuable publication, providing reading satisfaction not only to opera enthusiasts.

The monograph offers a look at one selected aspect of opera works - the aria. From the Author's perspective, the aria turns out to be a key element of the opera, enabling many comparative analyzes and interpretations. The interpretations show various ways in which the aria functions in individual cultural circles. The Author's erudition, knowledge of opera and its contexts will certainly be appreciated by every reader, regardless of their education or professional profile.

The Jagiellonian University Press presents the publication in 158x239 mm format, with 268 pages. The paperback cover ensures comfortable reading and durability. Year of publication: 2025.