Opera

Description

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.

For the past few years, Leventi has thoroughly explored that point of view. He's compiled a series of photographs into a new book, simply titled Opera, and we can attest to their stunning imagery.--Ari Notis "verdana.com" From the Opera Royal at Versailles to Zaha Hadid's Guangzhou Opera House in China, Leventi captured each space using large-format eight-by-ten-inch film, composing lushly detailed images that reflect the influence of his mentor, architectural lensman Robert Polidori. Each shoot was an all-consuming hours-long process that Leventi compares to the musicians' own onstage experience.--Julie Coe "Architectural Digest" From Italy to Argentina, Budapest to Moscow, Leventi travels the globe to present the interiors of opera houses that are nothing short of awesome.--Jack Crager "American Photo" If you've ever wondered what it feels like to stand front-and-center on a stage in one of the world's most beautiful opera houses, photographer David Leventi has your answer. While the seats may be empty and the orchestra pit barren, his shots of the ornate halls carry enough grandiose detail to leave anyone in awe.--Erika Owen "Travel + Leisure" In his new book Opera (Damiani), photographer David Leventi documents more than 40 lavis houses on four continents, most from a vantage point usually known only to the stars--center stage. These grand spaces clearly merit a standing ovation.--Peter Terzian "Elle Decor" Leventi has published a visual catalogue of these grand cultural institutions in his new series Opera, which, more than presenting a mere typology of houses, also reveals the extent to which these ornate interiors stand as symbols of their countries' wealth, grandeur and musical legacy.-- "Jetsetter" "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"