Exploring 'Akhenaten': Music and Meaning

This chapter presents a deep dive into the opera 'Akhenaten' by Philip Glass, exploring its atmospheric music and the significance of the historical figure's name change as part of his ideological rebellion. The discussion extends to Akhenaten's religious transformation, focusing on the shift from polytheism to the exclusive worship of Aten, and its implications for societal governance. It concludes with an analysis of familial dynamics during the 18th dynasty and includes a musical excerpt that highlights the unique vocal harmonies of the opera's central characters.