Nussbaum’s ‘The Republic of Love’ Examines Opera and Political Freedom
A review of Martha C. Nussbaum’s book “The Republic of Love: Opera & Political Freedom” offers both praise and criticism, relying solely on the text of a single-source article. The reviewer notes the book demonstrates significant knowledge of opera, drawing from Nussbaum’s own background as a performer and singer. Operas covered include major Mozart pieces, Verdi’s Don Carlo, Beethoven’s Fidelio, works by Benjamin Britten, and John Adams’s Nixon in China. The reviewer objects that Nussbaum is highly suspicious of Don Giovanni and romanticism, and that she subordinates her understanding of the operas to a broader political and social agenda. The reviewer also points out the book gives little attention to Rossini and that Nussbaum’s analysis is too focused on classification. Despite these objections, the reviewer describes the book as very thought-provoking and full of deep knowledge.
What’s reported
The book is titled “The Republic of Love” with the subtitle “Opera & Political Freedom,” authored by Martha C. Nussbaum.
The source article states Nussbaum has a background as a performer and singer and shows significant knowledge of opera.
Operas discussed at length include major Mozart works, Verdi’s Don Carlo, Beethoven’s Fidelio, Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring, and John Adams’s Nixon in China.
The reviewer objects that Nussbaum is suspicious of Don Giovanni and romanticism, and finds Wagner’s Tristan “tedious” and “adolescent and boring.”
Nussbaum is criticized for lacking attention to Rossini, who gets only a brief mention on pages 303-304 of the book, according to the reviewer.
The reviewer states Nussbaum is “too concerned with her own classificatory impulses” and insufficiently aware of how opera diverts attention.
Key figures
Martha C. Nussbaum (author of “The Republic of Love”)
Wayne Koestenbaum (author of “The Queen’s Throat,” mentioned by reviewer)
Kierkegaard (cited as having a better understanding of Don Giovanni)
Carl Schmitt (mentioned in relation to critique of Romanticism)
Mazzini (noted for writing a book on opera supporting nationalism)
Sources: marginalrevolution.com
