Serenata and festa teatrale in 18th century Europe

This publication investigates the distinctive character and contexts of Festa teatrale and Serenata at a time when musical theatre was an integral part of the court ceremonial as well as a privileged ritual of repraesentatio maiestatis. This implies an approach to these works full of metaphors and symbolic allusions which takes into account the context of celebration and the resulting multiplicity of aspects: the choice of themes, the dramaturgical forms, textual and musical structures, the vocal and instrumental ensembles, and the various options with regard to the stage apparatus.