Bohdanova I. Alfredo Catalani and Italian Musical Culture of the last third of the 19th century

The thesis is devoted to the creation of the prominent Italian composer Alfredo Catalani (1854-1893). He was one of the brightest representatives of Italian musical culture of the last third of the 19th century. In the light of A. Catalani’s biography and creation there were studied two significant cultural phenomena: Italian “wagnerism” and Scapigliatura Milanese. A. Catalani is presented as one of the founders of the young Italian composer school («giovane scuola») as well as a senior contemporary and predecessor of G. Puccini. It is presented personal and psychological portrait of A. Catalani. It was created detailed chronograph of composer’s life with the description of the main stages of his professional formation. Using analysis of Catalani’s early minor pieces it is observed the process of his creative evolution. A. Catalani appears as an active member of Italian musical and theatrical life: he collaborated with leading performers, librettist and music publishers. Six operas of A. Catalani are investigated in the thesis: “La Falce” (“The Sickle”), “Elda” and its redaction “Loreley”, “Dejanice”, “Edmea” and “La Wally”. On the basis of this investigation were formulated the basic principles of individual style and operatic aesthetics of A. Catalani which concern operatic plots, main images and subjects, operatic genres, dramatic techniques, melodic and harmonic lexicon. Strong ties connect A. Catalani’s creation with late romanticism and symbolism. A. Catalani is regarded as extremely talented composer and important “transitional” figure in the history of Italian opera of the last third of the 19th century.