Date of Award
12-1-2016
Degree Name
Master of Music
Department
Music
First Advisor
Worthen, Douglas
Abstract
This thesis presents the myth of Orpheus through each century of opera. Beginning with Claudio Monteverdi’s L’Orfeo in 1607, followed by Christoph Gluck’s Orfeo ed Euridice, Jacques Offenbach’s Orphée aux Enfers, Philip Glass’s Orphée, and finally, Ricky Ian Gordon’s Orpheus and Euridice in 2001. Through the analysis of plot changes, gender characteristics, and the symbolism of these five operas, the elements that have made Orpheus one of the most prominent figures in opera will be explored.
Access
This thesis is only available for download to the SIUC community. Current SIUC affiliates may also access this paper off campus by searching Dissertations & Theses @ Southern Illinois University Carbondale from ProQuest. Others should contact the interlibrary loan department of your local library or contact ProQuest's Dissertation Express service.