Sci-fi novel "Scala" mirrors medieval mystery "The Name of the Rose"

The renowned work of Italian author Umberto Eco, "The Name of the Rose," first captivated readers 45 years ago, has now been adapted into an opera. This periodizing and dividing work, a manifesto of Italian postmodernism, has been widely popular, involving millions of readers worldwide.

Originally a novel, "The Name of the Rose" has been presented to readers in various ways, and it is now being given a new life as an opera. The opera libretto, prepared by Filidei, Stefano Busellato, Hannah Dübgen, and Carlo Pernigotti, refines and distills Eco's genetic musical characteristics, bringing Umberto Eco's musical traits to a pitch of rhythmic and harmonic effectiveness.

Unlike in the novel, the devotional aspect in the opera is enhanced and made a constant expressive element. The story revolves around characters William of Baskerville and the young Benedictine Adso of Melk, who are embroiled in a criminal investigation in La Scala, related to a novel titled "The Name of the Rose."

Umberto Eco, known for his strong interest in musical language, practiced the recorder and developed a passion for the trumpet. Between 1958 and 1959, he collaborated with Luciano Berio on the composition of "Thema." This collaboration seems to have influenced the musical composition of the opera libretto.

"The Name of the Rose" has been advocated as an educational tool by lay pedagogues and professors. It is a murky storyline, filled with intrigue and mystery, making it an engaging piece for both academic and general audiences. The opera adaptation is expected to maintain this intrigue, while also offering a unique musical experience.

It is worth noting that the publisher for the opera libretto, "The Name of the Rose," is La Nave di Teseo. However, the person involved in the collaboration on the libretto and who published the book "La Nave di Teseo" is not explicitly mentioned in the provided search results.

In addition to the opera and the novel, "The Name of the Rose" has been adapted into multiple expressive forms, including film, television miniseries, video game, board game, role-playing game, and newspaper supplement. This versatility speaks to the enduring appeal of Eco's work.

As the opera adaptation of "The Name of the Rose" premieres, audiences can look forward to experiencing Eco's intricate narrative and musical language in a new and immersive way.