Opera

(Hardback)

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In his series Opera, photographer David Leventi records the interiors of more than 40 opera houses spanning 4 centuries and 4 continents. Shot meticulously over five years Opera presents a typology, each empty hall is seen from the place at centre stage where the singers would stand. The large format camera reveals these temples of music in all their wealth of scintillating architectural detail which also serves the acoustic function of enriching sound. This body of work historically documents landmarks which stand as symbols of their nations' wealth and grandeur, their dedication to the promotion of the arts and to bringing communities together. These halls have resounded with the voices of the greatest performers throughout history and their distinctive architecture has served as the inspiration for composers, writers and artists alike. Perhaps this work even casts a new light on the Renaissance debate of seeing versus hearing as the primary means of perceiving beauty. While the halls and photographs are silent the mind fills with music.

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"I experience an almost religious feeling walking into a grand space such as an opera house," says Leventi. And yet from this sumptuousness he creates an ordered typology in a way that links his work to artists such as Bernd and Hilla Becher.

Part of the way Leventi achieves that order is by repeatedly photographing from the stage, looking back out at the audience--just where the singer might stand.--Myles Little "TIME Lightbox"