The Scala mirrors the narrative of "The Name of the Rose"
After four decades since its initial publication, the story of William of Baskerville and the young Benedictine Adso of Melk, as depicted in Umberto Eco's acclaimed novel "The Name of the Rose," is now trying the path of opera. This exciting new development comes as a collaboration between Italian composer Andrea Liberovici, known as Filidei, and a team of writers, including Stefano Busellato, Hannah Dübgen, and Carlo Pernigotti.
First published between 1958 and 1959, "The Name of the Rose" has become a literary phenomenon, captivating millions of readers worldwide. The novel's intricate narrative, blending mystery, history, and philosophy, has made it a staple in educational institutions, with pedagogues and professors promoting it as an educational tool.
The opera libretto, published by La Nave di Teseo, refines and distills Eco's musical characteristics, bringing them to a pitch of rhythmic and harmonic effectiveness. The devotional line in the opera libretto is one of the constant expressive elements, enhancing the devotional aspect identified in the novel.
Umberto Eco, the novel's author, was known for his strong interest in music. He collaborated with Luciano Berio on the composition of "Thema" between 1958 and 1959. Eco himself practiced the recorder and had a passion for the trumpet.
The opera libretto of "The Name of the Rose" is a testament to Eco's musical interests, taking them into account meticulously. It is also a manifesto of Italian postmodernism, as the novel itself is, and features dramatic chiaroscuro, a technique that could be seen as a deliberate move or an easy concession to sensationalist tastes.
This opera adaptation comes at a time when a criminal investigation is currently being staged at La Scala, the famous Italian opera house, although it is unclear whether the two events are related. "The Name of the Rose" has been translated into multiple expressive forms over the years, including film, theatre, television, board games, video games, and educational tools.
As the opera preparation unfolds, we eagerly await its premiere, hoping it will captivate audiences just as the novel has done for decades.
