Abstract:

This article has been prepared to probe the influences orientalism has on art related subjects that we often come across. The research has been told and worked through Giacomo Puccini's Madame Butterfly opera which holds a great importance in its area. This piece of Puccini is told by addressing Western men and Eastern women. You can hear Japanese melodies mixed with the Western Music Melodies. In the mentioned opera, which has a very drastically dramatic way of introducing its characters, the eastern people are downwarded and often reflected as weak. Whereas, orientalism is not only a musical term but also a socio-political situation. It is a way for the West to explain "the others" which seems mystical and unexplainable to it. Orientalism also holds a more distinct meaning where it specifically addresses the culture of the Eastern people which can be understood from the roots of the word that is orient. Edward Said, a professor at Columbia University, is undoubtedly the owner of the most efficient and most important work on the matter regarding the subject. His book, which has been published in 1978, "Orientalism" is a great part of literature standing as an accepted resource. In the late 18th century the Western countries began to strengthen economically by virtue of the Industrial Revolution. Through this new layout curiosity upon the East and the will to explore it more deeply start to increase and the Western countries begin to gather information about the area by sending researchers, journalists and travelers. As a conclusion for the work, Madame Butterfly Opera, has been taken under scope to show its orientalist view. As can be seen in different aspects of art, orientalism has also proven its significance in opera, an important part of music. Under such terms, Madame Butterfly proves its importance and takes the spotlight on being an important means of orientalist view. This opera is seen as a symbol of the Western view on the Eastern world.

Keywords: