The golden century of Italian opera from Rossini to Puccini / William Weaver.
| Author/creator | Weaver, William |
| Format | Book |
| Publication Info | London : Thames & Hudson, 1980. |
| Description | 256 pages : illustrations (some color) ; 28 cm |
| Subjects |
| Abstract | The Barber of Seville was first produced in 1816, Turandot in 1926. The period between these dates saw the birth of a whole repertoire of Italian opera--110 years of seemingly inexhaustible melody and effortless invention. The author, an experienced and entertaining guide to the Italian operatic world, brings the whole turbulent period to life. It was a world in which the conspiracies, intrigues, love affairs, and jealous explosions behind the scenes almost equalled those on stage; in which composers were bullied by singers, exploited by impresarios, and stabbed in the back by rivals. Giuseppe Verdi, the greatest genius of all, transformed the opera into a profound vehicle for drama and psychological insight, at the same time winning independence for the composer from the tyranny of singers and impresarios--and independence that the last great figured, Puccini, was to use to mold opera in his own way. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (page 252) and index. |
| ISBN | 0500012407 |
| ISBN | 9780500012406 |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Music | Closed Stacks - Ask at Circulation Desk | ML1733.W363 G6 | ✔ Available | Place Hold |