SHAKESPEARE'S PLOT «THE MOCKY WOMEN OF WINDSOR» IN THE EUROPEAN OPERA THEATRE OF THE 18 TH–19 TH CENTURIES

Abstract

The study examines the peculiarities of the interpretation of Shakespearean themes in European musical culture and the specific features of the artistic reinterpretation of literary images in music. The significance of William Shakespeare’s works is characterized, as they have remained one of the most important sources of plots, characters, and dramaturgical models for composers of different historical periods. It is emphasized that Shakespeare’s dramaturgy is distinguished by the depth of psychological conflicts, the richness of imagery, and the universality of philosophical ideas, which has led to numerous musical interpretations in various genres – from opera and ballet to symphonic and chamber music. The main principles of the musical embodiment of Shakespearean plots are highlighted, particularly the ways of conveying psychological characterization, dramatic conflicts, and symbolic meanings through musical expressive means. The interaction between literary dramaturgy and musical form is revealed, as well as the transformation of the literary source into an independent musical image. It is emphasized that the appeal to Shakespeare’s works became an important factor in the development of programmatic thinking and musical dramaturgy within the European tradition.
Special attention is paid to musical interpretations of the comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor, which in the works of composers from different historical periods demonstrate diverse approaches to the interpretation of Shakespeare’s comic dramaturgy. It is noted that these musical interpretations reflect both the individual stylistic features of composers and the aesthetic tendencies of their respective historical epochs.
The results generalize the important role of Shakespearean themes in shaping new models of musical thinking and their significant influence on the development of European musical culture of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.