Analysing Form in Italian Opera

The SMA’s Formal Theory Study Group is pleased to announce the online event  “Analysing Form in Italian Opera”, to be held on Tuesday, October 13 2026, at 4 PM BST. Inspired by recent publications on operatic form (Rothstein 2022; Huebner 2023; Martin, Koslovsky, Suurpää 2026), this event showcases various analytical approaches to the operas of Mozart, Verdi, Bellini, Donizetti, and Puccini. It explores the unique challenges associated with analysing form in vocal genres, including the interactions between text and form and the dramatic consequences of formal types. The panel features three presenters: 

 

• Nathan Martin (Michigan), “Phenomenal Song in Mozart's Operas: Second Thoughts on the Quatrain”

• Carlos Pérez Tabares (Oberlin), “Poetic Form and Formal Function in Bellini, Donizetti, and Verdi”

• Ji Yeon Lee (Houston), “Beyond la solita forma: New Analytical Approaches to Verismo Opera”

 

Each speaker will present a short talk, followed by a discussion period and Q&A. The panel not only aims to inspire more analysis of vocal genres, but also considers the many ways in which opera analysis continues to evolve.

 

https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/89427824221 

Meeting ID: 894 2782 4221