Vienne et l'opéra impérial baroque. Un système, une symbolique

During the reign of Leopold I (1658) to Charles VI (1740), Vienna emerged as a pivotal center for Baroque Italian opera, leveraging its status as the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. The study reveals that imperial operatic performances were not merely artistic expressions but part of a structured system designed to glorify the Habsburg dynasty. These performances, characterized by their exceptional quality and symbolism, drew from antique and Christianized mythologies, reinforcing the dynasty's historical mission through deliberate staging. The research identifies three key pillars supporting this system: the poeta Cesareo, the composer, and the stage designer, all contributing to a cohesive narrative that integrated music, drama, and visual artistry to serve imperial propaganda.

Valentin, J.-M. (2015). Vienne et l’opéra impérial baroque. Un système, une symbolique. Études Germaniques, n° 274(2), 307–319. https://doi.org/10.3917/eger.274.0307