Upton, George P. (George Putnam)

About the author

George P. Upton, also known as George Putnam, lived from 1834 to 1919 and was a prolific author and critic whose extensive body of work spanned multiple genres, including literature, music, and theatre. Despite the breadth of his contributions, many details of his early life and personal background remain elusive, with much of the available information sourced from contemporaneous reviews and scholarly research.

Upton’s education combined a solid foundation in classical studies with an avid interest in the arts, which was reflected in his analytical approach to literature and music. His professional development was marked by a dedication to exploring the intricate relationships between narrative, musical composition, and dramatic performance.

The genesis of his creative journey was deeply influenced by the cultural ferment of the nineteenth century. As an observer and commentator on the arts, he began his literary career through contributions to periodicals and critical essays, gradually establishing himself as an authority in the fields of opera, cantata, and oratorio studies.

His significant works include a series of publications that have come to define his legacy. Among these are Letters of Peregrine Pickle, The Standard Cantatas: Their Stories, Their Music, and Their Composers – A Handbook, The Standard Light Operas, Their Plots and Their Music, The Standard Operas: Their Plots, Their Music, and Their Composers (12th edition), and The Standard Oratorios: Their Stories, Their Music, And Their Composers. Each of these works offers detailed insights into the narrative and musical structures of their respective genres, reflecting Upton’s meticulous research and profound appreciation for the performing arts.

Writing during an era that celebrated both innovation and tradition, Upton's writings resonated with audiences and influenced subsequent generations of critics and scholars. Although formal awards are not widely recorded, his intellectual legacy endures through his comprehensive and insightful analyses.

While personal aspects of his life remain largely undocumented, George P. Upton's contributions to literary and musical criticism have ensured that his work continues to be a reference point for both historical inquiry and contemporary artistic discourse.