iOPERA : den virtuella operahuset

Classical music has a troubled history regarding the transformation into new forms of media, and the Internet is no exception. The aim of the present research project is to explore the possibilities of building a virtual, interactive opera house on the Internet, seeking answers to the following research questions:– Is the Internet an ideal platform for a composer of scenic music who, like myself, strives to control all artistic parameters? Or can it turn out the be just the opposite: a creative forum where boundaries between author and audience/users tend to dissolve?– In what way should my music develop to fit into this new arena? And conversely, how will it be possible to develop the Internet to suit my musical and artistic intentions?– Is it possible, in this new public environment, to come through with art and music intended to be an alternative to cultural commercialism and economic speculation and a voice against alienation and intolerance?– How can the increasingly neglected genre of art music find a new audience on the Internet?– How can economic needs be met without losing artistic values?In order to find answers to these questions, iOPERA AB was formed and the production of The Woman of Cain, the first opera exclusively designed for the Internet, began. The idea of a crossover platform for interactive, virtual opera on the Internet started to take shape. Some of my research questions are yet to be answered, but it has become clear that the adaption of the art of music drama to the Internet is possible. The idea of letting opera develop and adjust to the Internet is attractive, and I have not found that the genre would thereby be artistically compromised, especially since most art forms have successfully made the leap into new media and new distribution methods. In the near future, all kinds of creators will be able to develop skills and craftsmanship in various artistic fields, as software and interfaces become more accessible. The idea of a virtual opera house on the internet appears to be within reach and a logical step to take.The text of the thesis is accompanied by a DVD containing material from the opera production, including full score, libretto and media files