Saamishvili N.N. Musical Dramaturgy and the Structure of Images in Kaija Saariaho's Opera 'Émilie'

Abstract: The object of the research is the musical dramaturgy and the structure of images in a mono opera 'Émilie' by a famous modern Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho. Based on the anaylsis of libretto, musical composition and combination of expressive means enabling plot-forming and dramaturgical solutions in the opera, the author of the present article describes and analyzes original principles used by the composer in her creating the image of the main heroine. One of the most brilliant principles is the composer's revealing the image of Émilie through her 'invisible presence' in monologues of other 'characters' mentioned in the libretto and expressed in music. The main analytical methods used by the author in this research relate to musical hermeneutics. In addition, the author also bases the research on approaches that are traditionally used by Russian music studies to analyze opera librettos and music. The scientific novelty of the research is caused by the fact that the author studies this particular opera. The result of the research is the conclusion that versatile dramaturgy of the opera libretto and music along with the polyphony of images in the opera 'Émilie' provides new opportunities for developing the genre. 

Keywords: