Feasting and Fasting in Opera: From Renaissance Banquets to the Callas Diet

Feasting and Fasting in Opera explores how convivial culture shaped the birth of opera and opera-going rituals until the mid-nineteenth century, when eating and drinking at the opera house were still common. It focuses on questions of comedy, pleasure, embodiment, and indulgence in both tragic and comic operas from Monteverdi to Puccini, and sheds new light on Maria Callas' diet in preparation for her famous performance as Violetta.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 11 November 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Feasting and Fasting in Opera delves into the intricate relationship between food and drink and the world of opera, showcasing their essential role both on and off the stage. In his comprehensive book, opera scholar Pierpaolo Polzonetti explores the profound impact of convivial culture on the birth and evolution of opera and the rituals associated with opera-going until the mid-nineteenth century. During this period, eating and drinking at the opera house were still commonplace, shaping the social and cultural dynamics of the time.

Through detailed analyses of convivial scenes in operas, Polzonetti uncovers how the consumption of food and drink, as well as the sharing or refusal of such sustenance, define the identities and relationships of the characters. The book spans a chronological journey from around 1480 to the middle of the nineteenth century, a period marked by significant changes in opera's aesthetics and practices.

Wagner's operatic reforms, introduced in the late 19th century, brought about a significant shift by banning refreshments during performances and introducing darkened auditoriums to enhance the immersive listening experience. Polzonetti's book delves into the themes of comedy, pleasure, embodiment, and indulgence, examining fasting, poisoning, food disorders, body types, diets, and social, ethnic, and gender identities in both tragic and comic operas from the Renaissance master Monteverdi to the renowned composer Puccini.

Furthermore, Polzonetti sheds new light on the diet undergone by the legendary opera singer Maria Callas in preparation for her iconic performance as Violetta in Verdi's La traviata. The consumptive heroine's culinary journey is intricately woven into the narrative, providing a fascinating glimpse into the artistic and physical preparations required for such a demanding role.

Feasting and Fasting in Opera is a captivating and informative read that appeals to both food lovers and opera scholars alike. Polzonetti's writing is engaging, and his imaginative approach brings the historical and cultural context of opera to life, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of food, art, and society.

Weight: 594g
Dimension: 237 x 162 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226804958