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F. Schmidt’s opera “Notre Dame” as an example of a late Romantic interpretation of V. Hugo’s eponymous novel
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Natalia Yuryevna Kireyeva
Saratov State Conservatory named after L. V. Sobinov
Xin Zhang
Saratov State Conservatory named after L. V. Sobinov
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Submitted:
November 20, 2025
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Abstract.
The study aims to uncover the figurative content and specific features of the musical dramaturgy of the opera “Notre Dame” by the Austro-Hungarian composer Franz Schmidt (libretto by the composer and L. Wilk), which stands as a vivid example of a late Romantic musical interpretation of Victor Hugo’s eponymous novel. The article provides a brief overview of F. Schmidt’s oeuvre (which partially shaped the opera’s musical language), the history of the opera’s creation, and its stage history. The study interprets the artistic content of the work and demonstrates its musical expressive means. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the fact that F. Schmidt’s opera “Notre Dame” is presented for the first time in Russian art history; the specifics of adapting Hugo’s renowned novel into the opera genre are shown, significantly expanding the scope of scientific knowledge. The study established that F. Schmidt’s opera is one of the striking examples of a musical Romantic reading of V. Hugo’s novel. Instrumental elements predominate in the music, combining features of Viennese Classicist and Romantic symphonic music (orchestral and tonal principles of material presentation), as well as a leitmotif system. Genres such as passacaglia, chorale, fugue, and folk song intonations are incorporated into the opera’s musical texture. This opera also possesses lyrical features, characteristic of the melodic style of Italian vocal art. F. Schmidt’s opera merits attention from both researchers and opera enthusiasts seeking to discover new facets of musical theatre. It possesses significant dramatic potential and can be highly effective on stage.
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Key words and phrases:
творчество Ф. Шмидта
опера Ф. Шмидта «Собор Парижской Богоматери»
роман В. Гюго «Собор Парижской Богоматери»
поздний романтизм
F. Schmidt’s oeuvre
F. Schmidt’s opera “Notre Dame”
V. Hugo’s novel “Notre Dame de Paris”
late Romanticism
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References:
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