A comparative study of the two versions of Jean-Philippe Rameau's Zoroastre
Date
1977
Authors
Rice, Paul Francis
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Abstract
Jean-Philippe Rameau's penultimate opera, Zoroastre, exists in two versions: one dating from 1749 and the other from 1756. The object of the study was to analyze and compare the musical content of the two versions and to examine the stylistic changes to be found in the revised score. In addition, the effect of the Guerre des Bouffons (1752-1754) on the revised version of the opera has been undertaken.
The study is divided into five main areas. These are: (1) observations on the history of opera in Paris 1687-1749, important singers in Rameau's productions, and Rarneau's position in the musical life of his times; (2) the growth of the operatic libretto from Quinault to Cahusac; (3) the musical structure of the two versions; (4) Rameau's treatment of the vocal Airs in the two versions; and (5) a summary of the effects of the Guerre des Bouffons, and stylistic trends of the revised score.