The guitar at the opera: an investigation into guitar repertoire inspired by the operas of Vincenzo Bellini

Sciacca, Davide (2023) The guitar at the opera: an investigation into guitar repertoire inspired by the operas of Vincenzo Bellini. Doctoral thesis (PhD), The Royal Northern College of Music in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University.

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Abstract

This project examines guitar repertoire inspired by the operas of Sicilian composer Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835). It explores the original operas and their subsequent arrangements and transcriptions for guitar. A primary aspect of my research concerns the performance of such works, focussing on repertoire that is now rarely performed. My research demonstrates that there is little research into operatically inspired guitar works in general, and those based on Bellini’s operas in particular. This research is supported by recordings of works such as arrangements, fantasias and themes with variations for solo guitar or for guitar and other instruments. Performance issues and the centrality of the performers’ contribution to the nature of the original works are explored. I seek to demonstrate that such works are worthy of wider dissemination and can contribute to new knowledge. Organology is also central to my research; it includes an exploration of this repertoire on original instruments, modern reproductions and contemporary guitars. The main chapters, concerned with the Recording Portfolio, detail nineteenth- and early twentieth-century repertoire composed in Europe and in the USA by significant guitarist-composers of the time as well as mostly forgotten arrangers. This research seeks to increase diversity in guitar repertoire by including works by guitarist-composers Emilia Giuliani (1813-1850) and Justin Holland (1819-1887). Musical examples describe editorial changes made to existing scores, which reflect my studies of nineteenth-century performance practice research as well as early recordings by singers. This research also presents new repertoire inspired by Bellini written by living composers. The Recording Portfolio includes three hours of music for and with guitar, plus 45 minutes in the appendix. As an international recitalist I had the opportunity to promote this repertoire to the wider musical public in a large number of concerts and lecture-recitals, as detailed in the appendix, as well as to stimulate an interest in it among other guitarists and students.