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to The Musical Quarterly
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OPERA AS A "SPECTACLE
FOR THE EYE"
By FAUSTO TORREFRANCA
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Opera as a "Spectacle for the Eye" 437
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438 The Musical Quarterly
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Opera as a "Spectacle for the Eye" 439
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440 The Musical Quarterly
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Opera as a "Spectacle for the Eye" 441
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442 The Musical Quarterly
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Opera as a "Spectacle for the Eye" 443
in the effect of the nuove musiche, but most decidedly in the mode of
employing the scenographic art. He remarks, in fact:
So to-day theatrical performances with music have been introduced
as a solace for the spirit, and as a most artistic recreation wherein
are displayed Machines of great ingenuity, suggested by the Drama,
forming a grand attraction amid the Pomp of the Scenes, and costumes,
which gratify in full the universal curiosity. Thus there have been seen,
on the stage, real Elephants, live Camels, Chariots drawn majestically
by Wild Beasts and by Horses, Horses likewise in the Air, Horses which
dance, the most superb Machines, displayed in the air, on the ground,
on the sea with extravagant contrivances, and with admirable inventions
to bring down from the Air Royal Halls, with all the Personages, and
Musicians, as illuminated by nighttime, and to make them reascend in
most astounding fashion, and a thousand other things, which being
printed in the Dramas, it is superfluous to describe them with particu-
larity, all persons being able to inform themselves fully by reading the
same, which will serve as a pleasing and at the same time profitable
diversion for Geni virtuosi [or, as we should say to-day, the intellectuals].
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444 The Musical Quarterly
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Opera as a "Spectacle for the Eye" 445
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446 The Musical Quarterly
I hope you will recognize, having regard to the pains I have taken
with Ercole, the difference there is between writing in haste and com-
posing with a mind at ease, and at one's leisure. I confess that, as to these
(pains), I have exerted myself more than in my other Dramas to gratify
your taste . . . I beg you to bear in mind, that there is no com-
position more difficult than that intended for the Stage.
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Opera as a "Spectacle for the Eye" 447
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448 The Musical Quarterly
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Opera as a "Spectacle for the Eye" 449
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450 The Musical Quarterly
Other poets, though protesting against the laws, still feel under
the necessity of citing the authority of Spanish dramaturgists, or
simply appeal to the "spirit of the times." Thus Busenello, in
defiance of the Aristotelian law of the unity of time, declares
shortly that he suits his own convenience:
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Opera as a "Spectacle for the Eye" 451
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452 The Musical Quarterly
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