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'Napoleon': An Opera Libretto in Two Acts
Abstract
An author's criticism of his own work is usually held suspect for its passionate and biased optimism of intent. Nor is explanatory mate- rial by him received favorably by the critic. The work of art should be autonomous, balanced internally and externally, self-explanatory. Yet an opera libretto per se is incomplete--it is drama and versifica- tion, but without the essential act of the composer. For this reason the librettist may speak of his dramatic and poetic intention with some validity, as far as explication may have a positive value under such circumstances. His is by far the greatest practical knowledge of his artistic sources, processes, intent, and the life-conditions which sur- rounded the period of composition. It may be his part (if he chooses to take it) to provide those to whom time will assign the explication, per- formance, and judgement of his work with as much practical knowledge of his working resources, his artistic concerns in general, and his im- mediate concerns with a certain work in particular, as may aid them in justifying his attempts at artistic expression.
Subject Area
Literature
Recommended Citation
WALLIS, WILLIAM GEORGE, "'Napoleon': An Opera Libretto in Two Acts" (1972). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI7227438.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI7227438