gegraben.” Examines “basic assumptions of the operatic world” and how the
piece actually fits them. Searches for “the kinds of problems Beethoven posed
for himself in the relatively unfamiliar role of opera composer.” Concludes
that his “basic operatic outlook was essentially that of his own time, one that
sought an equilibrium between expressive urges and structural cohesion.”Vincenzo Bellini (1801–1835)
Thematic Catalogues and Worklists
- Lippmann, Friedrich. “Bellini’s Opern-Daten in Quellen.” Analecta musico-
logica6 (1969): 365–397.
A list of premieres with casts, giving manuscript and location information and
citations to printed libretti. Extensive commentary.
Bibliographies and Guides to Resources
See #504.
Conferences
504.Atti del Convegno Internationale di Studi Belliniani: Catania, 1985.
Not seen; information is from NGDO1, 396. Consists of 17 papers presented
at the conference. Among them: F. Giovale, “Ah, tu perdoni, ‘quel pianto il
dice’: Note sul tema del sacrificio e del perdono nei libretti belliniani de Felice
Romani”; Simon Maguire, “On the Question of Analysis in Bellini”; and
Julian Budden, “La fortuna di Bellini in Inghilterra.” There is also a review of
Bellini studies in the form of a 30-page bibliographic essay.Biographies
- Adamo, Maria Rosario, and Friedrich Lippmann. Vincenzo Bellini. Turin:
ERI, 1981. 576p. No ISBN. ML410 .B44 A5.
In Italian. A thorough biography by Adamo (p.9–312), drawing on letters and
primary sources, and study of the works by Lippmann (p.313–548). Lipp-
mann offers genesis accounts, plots, program notes, and some technical notes.
A particularly interesting section on the chronological development of Bellini’s
melodies. Footnotes, 200-item bibliography, poor nonexpansive index (more
than 100 page references for Norma). - Brunel, Pierre. Vincenzo Bellini.Paris: Fayard, 1981. 431p. ISBN 2-213-
00263-5. ML410 .B44 B89.
A footnoted biography with some attention to the operas, concentrating on
text; no musical examples. Worklist, bibliography of about 200 entries; index
of names, titles, and topics. - Weinstock, Herbert. Vincenzo Bellini: His Life and His Operas.New York:
Knopf, 1971. xx, 554, xxxvii p. ISBN 0-3944-1656-2. ML410 B44 W4.
A fully documented life story, with good musical analysis of the operas, along
with genesis accounts and reception histories. Weak bibliography and poor
nonexpansive index.
114 Opera