The book presents human interaction in seven masterpieces of Italian Opera. The composer is regarded as a keen and sensitive observer of the human scene who uses musical language and text to tell a real life story. Characters are portrayed in dynamic situations; these are interpreted in psychodynamic terms. Emphasis is placed on the composer’s ability to create drama; the composer’s musical skills and use of the libretto are in the service of the drama. The use of music is no different in opera than are words in a play or novel. The composer combines music, words and venue to create a personal, individual work.
Sholomo Hoffert has a Masters’ degree in Social Work and also received training at The Theodor Reik Clinical Center for Psychotherapy, marital counseling and hospital social work. He is now retired and lives in Israel. Mr. Hoffert’s knowledge of opera comes from more than a half a century of extensive exposure to and personal interest in opera and the vocal arts and he has an intimate knowledge of the scores he discusses.
