Italian Romanticism and Italian Opera: An Essay in Their Affinities

Abstract

Anne-Louise-Germaine Necker, Madame de Stael-Holstein, was not renowned for her tact. So it probably did not surprise as many Italians as it angered when, in January 1816, she published a stinging critique of Italian literary culture in the first issue of a new Milanese journal. Mme de Stael's subject, announced in her title On the Manner and Usefulness of Translations, was innocent enough. And the criticism implied in her first sentence was ecumenical: To translate excellent works of human genius from one language to another is the greatest boon one can give to literature, since perfect works are so few, and invention in any genre so rare that each modern nation, if satisfied with its own riches alone, would be poor.' But near the end of her article, she addressed herself specifica ly to Italian writers, urging them to translate English and German poetry. This would introduce new styles and genres to Italian readers, who were otherwise too liable to think of nothing bu outdated tales of ancient mythology. It would lead Italian writers not to dress themelves in foreign clothes, but to put aside their own obsolete fashions. Even better than rendering foreign lyrics, according to Mme de Stael, would be the translation of foreign dramas, of Shakespeare, Schiller, and others. This would help renovate the languishing Italian theatre, and would urge to