Aesthetics of Opera in the Ancien Régime, 1647–1785

This insightful work examines the role of opera in shaping cultural and political narratives during the Ancien Régime, particularly focusing on its evolution in the Enlightenment era.

In Aesthetics of Opera in the Ancien Régime, 1647–1785, Downing A. Thomas explores the intricate relationship between operatic spectacle and the political landscape of Louis XIV's France. He delves into how opera served as a tool for absolutism, while simultaneously resisting the prevailing aesthetic and political agendas of the era. This examination highlights the evolution of opera within the context of eighteenth-century humanist culture, showcasing its significance beyond mere entertainment.

The book emphasizes the transition of French opera from its roots in absolute monarchy to a form that increasingly engaged with Enlightenment ideals, particularly those surrounding sensibility and emotional experience. Through close readings of notable works by composers such as Lully, Rameau, and Charpentier, Thomas reveals how these operatic pieces both reflected and influenced the cultural discourse of their time. His analysis extends from the late seventeenth century to the end of the eighteenth, providing a comprehensive overview of the genre's development.

Thomas also integrates circumstantial writings and theoretical perspectives on theatre and opera, offering a nuanced understanding of the reception history of these works. By recognizing the broad impact of opera in early-modern French culture, Aesthetics of Opera in the Ancien Régime, 1647–1785 contributes significantly to the discourse on the intersection of art and politics in a transformative period of history.