Female Singers on the French Stage, 1830–1848

Explores the profession of singing, operatic culture, and the representation of female performers on the nineteenth century French stage.

Kimberly White (Author)

9781107101234, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 24 May 2018

250 pages
25.3 x 18.3 x 1.5 cm, 0.67 kg

'… [an] important contribution to the history of 19th century French music, to the history of musicians, and to the history of women, whose scientific impact is likely to be felt far beyond boundaries of historical musicology.' Catherine Deutsch, translated from Revue de musicology

The study of singers' art has emerged as a prominent area of inquiry within musicology in recent years. Female Singers on the French Stage, 1830–1848 shifts the focus from the artwork onstage to the labour that went on behind the scenes. Through extensive analysis of primary source documents, Kimberly White explores the profession of singing, operatic culture, and the representation of female performers on the French stage between 1830 and 1848, and reveals new perspectives on the social, economic, and cultural status of these women. The book attempts to reconstruct and clarify contemporary practices of the singer at work, including vocal training, débuts, rehearsals and performance schedules, touring, benefit concerts, and retirement, as well as the strategies utilized in publicity and image making. Dozens of case studies, many compiled from singers' correspondence and archival papers, shed light on the performers' successes and struggles at a time when Paris was the operatic centre of Europe.

Introduction
1. Beginnings
2. The debut and the debutante
3. Working women
4. La Vie Bourgeoise
5. Creating the perfect ending
Envoi.

Subject Areas: Gender studies: women [JFSJ1], Opera [AVGC9], Music [AV], Theatre studies [AN]