Alban Berg's Wozzeck is one of the most significant operas of the
twentieth century. Douglas Jarman's study provides a clear and
accessible introduction to this work, placing it in the context of the
radical developments in musical language during the early decades of the
century and of the development of Berg's own musical style. The book
covers all aspects of the work. Early chapters are devoted to the
history and discovery of the Buchner play Woyzeck on which Berg based
the libretto and to the background and composition of the opera. A
detailed synopsis takes the reader through the events on stage in
relation to the structured musical effects. Particular attention is
given in the subsequent chapter to the unique dramatic and musical
design of the opera. In offering a possible interpretation of the work
Douglas Jarman considers this closely organized structure in relation to
the expressionistic language of the music. A final chapter charts the
performances of the opera, in particular early productions, which are
illustrated with many hitherto unpublished photographs from Berg's own
lifetime. An important feature of the book is the inclusion of many
important and otherwise unobtainable contemporary documents concerned
with the play and the opera, includine Karl Emil Franzos's description
of the reconstruction of the fragmented Buchner play and three
commentaries by Berg himself on the opera. This comprehensive guide will
be invaluable to the student and opera-goer wishing to unravel the
musical and dramatic complecities of this important work.