A View of Berg's Lulu: Through the Autograph Sources

Patricia Hall's new book is the first detailed analysis of the sketches for the opera Lulu by Alban Berg, as well as other related autograph material and previously inaccessible correspondence. It examines the format and chronology of the sketches and demonstrates their unique potential to clarify aspects of Berg's compositional language. Hall's innovative work suggests important techniques for understanding other twentieth-century composers' sketches and manuscripts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 198 pages
Publication date: 19 August 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

After 50 years of meticulous analysis, we are only now beginning to unravel the intricate tapestry of Alban Berg's most celebrated twelve-tone masterpiece, the opera Lulu. In this pivotal moment, Patricia Hall emerges as a leading light, offering a groundbreaking exploration into the sketches for the opera, alongside other related autograph material and previously unseen correspondence to Berg.

In 1959, Berg's widow entrusted the first autograph manuscript of Lulu to the Austrian National Library, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Lulu scholarship. The complete collection of autographs for the opera was made accessible to scholars in 1981, ushering in a period of promising research.

Hall's study commences with an in-depth examination of the format and chronology of the sketches, unveiling their extraordinary capacity to shed light on various aspects of Berg's compositional language. Throughout each chapter, Hall skillfully employs Berg's sketches to address significant challenges and controversies that have arisen in the study of Lulu. For instance, she delves into the dramatic symbolism behind Berg's use of multiple roles, elucidating how these roles contribute to the opera's overarching structure. Moreover, she challenges the prevailing notion that Berg frequently resorted to a free twelve-tone style, presenting a fresh perspective on the composer's artistic choices.

Hall's innovative work not only sheds new light on the sketches and manuscripts of Berg but also holds valuable insights for understanding the works of other twentieth-century composers. This title proudly stands as part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, a testament to the press's unwavering commitment to seeking out and nurturing the brightest minds, providing them with a platform to express their ideas and achieve widespread impact. Drawing upon a rich backlist dating back to 1893, Voices Revived employs print-on-demand technology to make high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once more, ensuring that the timeless wisdom of these composers continues to resonate with audiences for generations to come.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520337862