Aportaciones del texto a la edición crítica de una ópera: "Las naves de Cortés", de Ruperto Chapí

Abstract

The critical editing of vocal music raises many problems related to the adaptation between literary texts and musical ones. Musicologists must have knowledge of historical context and both composer and author of the libretto aesthetical thoughts to save these problems. At the end of the nineteenth century, discussions about the relationships between musical and literary text were a constant feature in the opera genre. This situation took place in the context in which Las naves de Cortés was composed. One of the most important aims which must be assumed by opera editors is the comparative analysis between the libretto written by the poet and the adaptation made by the composer. Then, it is necessary the analysis of the relationships between musical and literary works to the establishment of the text, what will help us to make decisions about rhythm, dynamics, expression slurs or articulation. This article offers some examples on this opera in one act by Chapí, in order to induce reflection and to pioneer new ways in critical editing of music