| dc.description.abstract | In this master thesis, Lette Vos approaches the thema of 'opera in (Dutch) translation' within four different frameworks: first historical, then theoretical, sociocultural and lastly practical. The first chapter, functioning as both introduction and historical background, provides an overview of the history of translated operas in the Netherlands, both in its own right and in relation to other countries. It also outlines the current status of translation within Dutch opera. Chapter 2 is concerned with translation studies.
In the first chapter, a distinction is already made between three forms of opera translation, of which one particular form, the 'vocal translation', intended for performance, is Vos' main concern. Drawing upon several theories of vocal opera translation, most notably Peter Low's "pentathlon principle" (2003), the second chapter offers a theoretical approach of opera translation. Vos continues to apply this method in chapter 4, the practical part of the thesis, for which she selected the opera Dido and Aeneas as a case-study. This chapter is subdivided into 1) an analysis of on a musico-poetic qualities of the opera and 2) a detailed account of the translation process following the strategic plan outlined in chapter 2.*
The third chapter answers questions of a sociocultural nature, most importantly: what are the advantages and disadvantages of performing operas in translation? In the first part of this chapter, Vos addresses questions of linguistic suitability, drawing upon the expertise of multiple opera singers and translators to establish whether specific qualities of the Dutch language make it more or less suitable for operatic performance. In the second part, the results of a survey and several interviews with experts in the field are presented to form a preliminary idea of public opinion on Dutch translated opera. This part of the thesis is normative in nature, as the opinions of the respondents are compared not only with each other but also weighed against Vos' own insight in the matter, as both a translator and a trained classical singer.
* The translation is included in libretto form. The translated score is available upon request. | |
