Berlioz, Verdi, Wagner, Britten

A comprehensive critical analysis of the most important Shakespearean critics, editors, actors and directors. This volume focuses on Shakespeare's reception by major composers.

We are used to thinking of critical discourse on Shakespeare as occurring in the realm of language. But music has interpretive powers of its own. In this volume we see how the powerful dramatic intelligences of four exceedingly gifted composers – Berlioz, Verdi, Wagner, and Britten – provide insights into the Shakespearean canon not easily attained by non-musical means.