This book investigates the significant but often overlooked role of orchestral interludes in Wagnerian and post-Wagnerian opera. Christopher Morris, drawing on his expertise in musicology and opera studies, examines how these passages, frequently performed with the curtain closed, function beyond mere filler. By analyzing individual musical texts and the surrounding critical discourse, Morris argues that these interludes are crucial in representing dream sequences, journeys, and intimate encounters, thereby revealing deeper layers of operatic meaning.

The Authority Perspective: This work is recognized for its in-depth exploration of a specific, often neglected aspect of operatic composition. By combining musical analysis with critical theory, the book offers a scholarly perspective on the function and significance of orchestral interludes. The approach is likely to appeal to academics and serious opera enthusiasts interested in a detailed examination of musical and narrative structures.