Chelsey Forbess

Lucia, Amina, and the Diva: Madness and the Woman's Voice in Romantic Italian Melodrama Chelsey Forbess

This thesis is a foray into Romantic Italian melodrama through two of the soprano roles that defined them. Through Lucia (of Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor") and Amina (of Bellini's "La Sonnambula"), the challenging and impressive soprano roles allowed for the woman's voice to be heard, and for the diva to emerge as we know her today. This thesis takes the reader through the history, culture, and music of early 19th century Italy, particularly through the "mad aria" in two key operas of the time. By learning about the music of madness, the reader can better understand Romantic Italian melodrama and the important path created for the birth of the diva.