Orientalism in the Opera "Turandot"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the Opera "Turandot" and how the Orient is portrayed in relation to Western conceptions of the East. This research uses Edward Said's essay on Orientalism to further construct the exotic East in "Turandot." Also addressed is the question "how does this opera exemplify the East as being savage and archaic when compared to Western thought and culture?" Both Orientalism and the writings of Edward Said are discussed.

Outline:
Abstract
Objective
Introduction
Overview of Orientalism
Overview of Edward Said
Overview of the "Turandot" Opera
Gozzi's "Turandot" Opera
Puccini's "Turandot"- Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924)
An Asian view of the "Turando" opera
Discussion
Bibliography

From the Paper:

"The Metropolitan Opera states that "Orientalism is the term used to describe Western fascination with the 'exotic' cultures of the Eastern hemisphere." Stated as well is that Many works of art, including operas like "Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail' and 'Madama Butterfly', have illustrated and enforced the West's idea of the dangerous, sensual, alien East." (Metropolitan Opera, 2006) The Metropolitan Opera further reveals that: "In order to create a more 'realistic Chinese atmosphere, Puccini read many books on the culture and ceremonies of China. He also sought out real Chinese music to imitate." (Metropolitan Opera, 2006) "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Orientalism in the Music of Turandot (2006) The Metropolitan Opera: Turandot. Online available at: http://archive.operainfo.org/broadcast/operaBackground.cgi?id=27&language=1.
• Orientalism (2006) Omnipelagos Online available at: http://www.omnipelagos.com/entry?n=orientalism
• Cotter, Holland (2004) 'Staging the Orient' -- 'Visions of the East at La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera' 7 May 2004 New York Times Online available at: Published: May 7, 2004http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D0DE5DD173CF934A35756C0A9629C8B63
• Symes, Colin (2006) The Paradox of the Canon: Edward W. Said and Musical Transgression The Routledge Journal Vol. 27, No. 3 September 2006
• Kurkinen, Marjaana (n.d.) The Spectre of the Orient: Modern Mime and Traditional Japanese Theatre in the 1930s.

More papers on Orientalism in the Opera "Turandot":

• Essay # 143670 : "An Argument Supporting The “Imagined Geography” In The Imperialistic Bias Against Orientalism In The Theories Of Said, Wigen, And Lewis"
• Analytical Essay # 17626 : "The Role of Women in the Opera During the 18th & 19th Centuries"
• Book Review # 145239 : "Culture Bias in "The Travels of Marco Polo"

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