Experience the passion and drama of the world's greatest operas with
this sumptuously illustrated visual guide.
Immerse yourself in more than 400 years of the world's most celebrated
operas and discover the fascinating stories behind them. Explore the
lives of singers such as Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti, and Jonas
Kaufmann. Meet composers like Mozart, Wagner, and Britten, and the
librettists with whom they collaborated to create the magical blend of
words and music that make up opera.
From its origins in the 17th-century courts of Italy to live screenings
in public spaces today, Opera: The Definitive Illustrated Story
follows the history of opera from Monteverdi's L'Orfeo in 1607, to Cosi
fan Tutte, La Bohème, and modern operas such as Brokeback Mountain. It
explains musical terminology, traces historical developments, and sets
everything in a cultural context.
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This awe-inspiring opera book further features:**
-Includes all of the most important operas from the Renaissance to the
21st century
-Profiles the key composers, librettists, performers, and companies,
with details of their lives, works, and influence
-Arranged in chronological order to show the evolution of the genre
-Clear, informative explanation of musical terminology and different
types of opera
This book revels in the sets and costumes that make up the grand
spectacle of opera. It also explores the great opera houses of the
world, such as La Scala, Milan, the Met in New York, and the Sydney
Opera House. Opera: The Definitive Illustrated Story is the essential
book for anyone who wants to understand and enjoy the constantly
evolving world of this beloved art form.
Did you know that there are more than 25,000 opera performances per year
worldwide? Opera: The Definitive Illustrated Story can be regarded as
the most lavishly illustrated history of opera currently available,
covering all of the most important operas from the Renaissance to the
21st century, and is completely global in scope. A must-have volume for
opera buffs, whether as a gift or self-purchase, if you're a music lover
looking for an accessible introduction to opera, then this is the book
for you!
