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Doctoral Dissertation, Abstract
Biernacki, Krzysztof. “Guide to Karol Szymanowski’s Opera King Roger, Op. 46.” D.M.A. diss., University of British Columbia, 2006.
(Please contact the author to request electronic version of the entire document – © Krzysztof Biernacki 2006 - All Rights Reserved)
Theis following dissertation examines Karol Szymanowski’s opera King Roger Op. 46, as with the aim of showing its position as one of the uniquemost original stage dramas of the 20th century, and as one of the most important operatic compositions ever produced by Poland. [My question: Is there any scholarly work already in existence devoted entirely to this opera? If so, say in one or two sentences what has been done already, and what is the original contribution of your dissertation. If this is the first time that a detailed study of the opera is provided, make this clear.] It is meant to provide the reader with historical and biographical background, a musical and dramatic analysis of the score, as well as a translation and conversion of the libretto into International Phonetic Alphabet. It is the overall designed of the dissertation is that of as a single volume performance manual guide intended for anyone interested in a performance aspectsdeeper dramatic, philosophical, or linguistic understanding of King Roger, or for anyone engaged in preparation of this work for performance.
The opening of this work. It is meant [avoid such repetitions]to be a single study devoted entirely to this opera.
Where is the Introduction?
Chapter Chapter 1 includes problem orientation, provides an a discussion overview of available resources, literary sources, and present scholarship , regarding Karol Szymanowski and King Roger. an assessment of the present situation regarding performances of King Roger. Chapter 2 explores presents a brief ly the biographical profile of Karol Szymanowskithe composer, gives the historical background of the opera, theregarding circumstances of its King Roger’s composition, and examines the collaboration between the composer Karol Szymanowski and the opera’s opera’s librettist . . . Jaros aw Iwaszkiewicz. Chapter 3 focuses on musical analysis, and Chapter 4 provides critical interpretations of King Roger’s philosophical meanings with special emphasis on its possible interpretation as a dream. Chapter 3 provides a musical, dramatic, and philosophical analysis of the opera focusing primarily on a stylistic interpretation, that relates the music with the and meanings of the text , and to broader ideas that those together communicate. Finally, The study closes with a conclusion concerning the place and value of this opera in the context of 20th century operatic literature, . . . {etc} as well as brief assessment of the present situation regarding performances of King Roger. Besides the Bibliography and and a complete discography, an Appendix provides the libretto of the opera with a word-for-word translation from Polish to English and transliteration into International Phonetic Alphabet, singer's guide to Chapter 4 performance of the opera, including diction concepts regarding singing and pronunciation of Polish language and includes a word-forby-word and poetic translation of the libretto with a full conversion into International Phonetic Alphabet. Diction concepts regarding singing and pronunciation of Polish language are provide in the Appendix. Dissertation includes selected bibliography, complete discography, and conclusion.