Publisher Description

Debussy and the Theatre means, in effect, 'Debussy and Pellias et Milisande', the only stage work Debussy chose and completed himself without a definite production in view. The opera both established Debussy's mature style and reputation in the forefront of contemporary composers and changed the course of operatic history. But Pelleas was also largely responsible for Debussy's `compulsive inachievement' in the theatre. Before it he delayed completing other works so that Albert Carre's production at the Opera-Comique would be his theatre debut; and then its traumatic dress-rehearsal in April 19o2 left him reluctant to undergo another similar experience. This, coupled with his search for lyrical librettos or scenarios that could inspire the rhythm and colour that he regarded as vital ingredients in theatre music, resulted in a career littered with abandoned projects. The story of this most fascinating of love-hate relationships with the stage is told, as far as possible, in the composer's own words or from contemporary documents.

Author Biography

Lauren Brooks is the owner of On The Edge Fitness and Co-owner of BuggyBellz. She is the creator of the worldwide selling DVD's "The Ultimate Body Sculpt and Conditioning with Kettlebells" Volume 1 and 2. Lauren is a Kettlebell Instructor (RKC) Team Leader, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, and has a degree in Kinesiology.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; Part I. The Operas: 2. Before Pelleas: Axel, Rodrigue et Chimene and other early projects, including Diane au bois; 3. Pelleas et Mellsande (1893-5, 1901-2); 4. After Pelleas: the Poe operas (Le diable daps le beffroi, La chute de la Maison Usher); Part II. The Ballets: 5. Khamma (1911-13); 6. Nijinsky and Diaghilev's Ballets Russes (1909-13); 7. La boite a joujoux (1913); 8. The Alhambra Theatre: No-ja-li or Le palais du silence and Printemps (1913-14); 9. Crimen amoris, later Fetes galantes (1912-15); Part III. Incidental Music For The Theatre: 10. Le martyre de Saint Sebastien (1911); 11. The remaining incidental music (1899-1913) and the plays written in collaboration with Rene Peter; Part IV. Incomplete And Unstarted Projects; 12. As you like it; Lout's, Segalen and the projects from Pelleas onwards (1895-1917); Part V. In Perspective: 13. Debussy in and about the theatre: some observations and conclusions.

Promotional "Headline"

Debussy and the Theatre means, in effect, 'Debussy and Pellias et Milisande', the opera both established Debussy's mature style and changed the course of operatic history.

Description for Bookstore

Debussy and the Theatre means, in effect, 'Debussy and Pellias et Milisande', the only stage work Debussy chose and completed himself without a definite production in view. The opera both established Debussy's mature style and reputation in the forefront of contemporary composers and changed the course of operatic history.

Description for Library

Debussy and the Theatre means, in effect, 'Debussy and Pellias et Milisande', the only stage work Debussy chose and completed himself without a definite production in view. The opera both established Debussy's mature style and reputation in the forefront of contemporary composers and changed the course of operatic history.

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