Aspects of Modern Opera: Estimates and Inquiries by Lawrence Gilman

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Aspects of Modern Opera: Estimates and Inquiries by Lawrence Gilman

(2 User reviews) 583

By Frederick Richter Posted on Mar 18, 2026

In Category - Civilizations

Authors: Gilman, Lawrence, 1878-1939 Published By : Gilman, Lawrence, 1878-1939

Book Language: English

Ever feel like opera is this intimidating fortress of fancy costumes and even fancier voices? Lawrence Gilman felt the same way a century ago, and he decided to do something about it. In 'Aspects of Modern Opera,' he grabs opera by its dramatic lapels and drags it into the living room for a chat. The real conflict here isn't on the stage—it's in the audience's mind. Gilman tackles the big question: How do we listen to the radical, often shocking new music of composers like Wagner, Strauss, and Debussy without getting lost or just giving up? This book is his guide through the noise. He doesn't just tell you what to think; he shows you *how* to think about the music. He breaks down why certain chords felt like an assault and why new stories mattered. Reading it feels like having the smartest, most patient friend in the world explain why the music that confused your grandparents was actually changing everything. If you've ever been curious about opera but didn't know where to start with the 'modern' stuff, this is your secret backstage pass.

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Lawrence Gilman's Aspects of Modern Opera isn't a plot summary or a dry history. Think of it as a series of brilliant, passionate conversations about the opera world at a turning point. Published in the early 20th century, Gilman writes as the dust is still settling from musical revolutions. He focuses on the giants who were rewriting the rules: Wagner, with his endless melodies and mythic stories; Richard Strauss, who brought shocking realism to the stage; and Debussy, who painted with sound in Pelléas et Mélisande. The 'story' is the clash between old expectations and thrilling new sounds. Gilman acts as a tour guide through this upheaval, examining not just the composers, but the very ideas behind their work—what makes a modern opera subject, how music paints character, and why this new art form mattered so much.

Why You Should Read It

Here's the magic: Gilman is a critic who wants you to feel the music, not just analyze it. His writing crackles with excitement. When he describes a scene from Strauss's Salome, you can almost hear the nervous shimmer of the orchestra. He argues for understanding, not just judgment. He acknowledges that this music could be difficult, but he insists its beauty and power were worth the effort. Reading him today is a revelation. You realize that the debates we have about modern art—"Is this even music?" "What does it mean?"—are the same ones people were having a hundred years ago. Gilman gives you the vocabulary and the confidence to form your own opinions. He makes you feel like an insider.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for the curious music lover who's ready to go beyond the greatest hits. It's for anyone who enjoys a smart, beautifully written argument. You don't need a PhD in music theory; you just need an open ear and a bit of curiosity. If you've ever listened to a piece of modern classical music and thought, 'I don't get it, but I want to,' Gilman is your ideal teacher. More than a history book, it's a masterclass in how to listen deeply. A true gem for turning confusion into appreciation.