Towards the curation of opera

A new perspective on opera curation emerges from the study of Bayreuth's Margravial Opera House, challenging traditional views of operatic works as static compositions. The research proposes that an opera is not merely a musical score but a dynamic entity designed for performance and socialization, evolving as it travels across different theaters rather than remaining preserved in isolation. This insight shifts focus from abstract notation to the performative and dramatic aspects of opera, emphasizing music's role as the primary constituent of operatic drama. The study examines processes that maintain the opera repertoire in a performative state, offering a framework for understanding how opera curation manifests within an opera house.

Mould, S. (2021). Towards the curation of opera. Curating Opera, 23–32. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003031017-4