AN ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSIC CREATION IN MEFISTOFELE

Abstract

Successful opera art cannot be separated from literary elements, but also from the support of music. Opera scripts make up plots with words. Compared with emotional resonance directly from the senses, music can plasticize the abstract literary image from the perspective of sensibility. An excellent opera work can effectively promote the development of the drama plot through music design, and deepen the conflict of drama with the "ingenious leverage" of music. This article intends to analyze the music design of the famous opera, Mefistofele, and try to explore the fusion effect of music and drama, and its role in promoting the plot. After its birth at the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th century, western opera art quickly received widespread attention and affection. The reason for its success is mainly due to its fusion of the essence of classical music and drama literature. Because of this, there have always been debates about the importance of music and drama in the long history of opera art development. In the book Opera as Drama, Joseph Kerman, a well-known contemporary musicologist, firmly believes that "opera is first and foremost a drama to show conflicts, emotions and thoughts among people through actions and events. In this process, music assumes the most important performance responsibilities."[1] Objectively speaking, these two elements with very different external forms and internal structures play an indispensable role in opera art. A classic opera is inseparable from the organic integration of music and drama, otherwise it will be difficult to meet the aesthetic experience expected by the audience. On the stage, it is necessary to present wonderful audio-visual enjoyment, and at the same time to pursue thematic expressions with deep thoughts, but the expression of emotions in music creation must be reflected through its independent specific language rather than separated from its own consciousness. Only through the superb expression of music can conflicts, thoughts and emotions be fully reflected, or it may be reduced to empty preaching. Joseph Kerman once pointed out that "the true meaning of opera is to carry drama with music". He believes that opera expresses thoughts and emotions through many factors such as scenes, actions, characters, plots and so on. However, the carrier of these elements lies in music. Only under the guidance and support of music can the characters, thoughts and emotions of the drama be truly portrayed. Indeed, opera scripts fictional plots with words, and music presents abstract literary image specifically and recreationally, allowing more potentially complex emotions that are difficult to express in words to be perceived by the audience in the flow of notes, thereby resonate with people.[2] Mefistofele, which this article intends to explore, is such an opera that is extremely exemplary in the organic integration of music and drama.